We are looking for an individual to join our Child Placing Agency team of dedicated employees who desire to help kids and adolescents find safe, stable and permanent, Forever Families. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently and as part of team and a passion for working with kids and families.
All New Horizons’ Staff are expected to study, practice and operate within the New Horizons’ Philosophy of Keeping Kids First.
Keeping Kids First requires that every decision and action be motivated by and geared toward meeting the highest need of the individual kid. New Horizons will not tolerate anyone who is not committed to keeping kids safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
At New Horizons, we Keep Kids First while providing a safe, therapeutic and loving environment for kids and adolescents. Through our Child Placing Agency, we recruit and train families to provide a home to boys and girls, ages birth to adulthood, who have been removed from their biological homes due to neglect and/or abuse.
Our Child Placement Staff work closely with kids and families to help determine, discover and create Forever Families.
Our Child Placement Staff take full responsibility for assigned caseloads consisting of foster families and kids and adolescents in foster care.
We are looking for an individual who:
- Demonstrates a commitment to empowering others and finding ways to help them solve the problems they face;
- Values a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person or kid;
- Recognizes and values the capacity of people to grow and change;
- Establishes respectful relationships to help others gain skills and confidence;
- Works well independently and collaboratively with other personnel and professionals;
- Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and leadership capabilities;
- Maintains an organized caseload while adhering to the Texas DFPS Minimum Standards and New Horizons’ Policies;
- Sets appropriate limits both in relationships and in personal work ethic;
- Embraces and embodies the Philosophy of New Horizons;
- Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills;
- Demonstrates excellent written, oral and electronic communication skills; and
- Is willing and able to participate in the development of the foster care program.
Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Keeping Kids Safe!
- Assessing and determining the needs of their individual kids and families;
- Coordinating services, resources, reviews, meetings and trainings;
- Monitoring cases by verifying clients' needs, participation and completion of required documentation, reviews and trainings;
- Advocating for kids and families;
- Respecting the dignity and worth of clients and foster parents while seeking permanency for kids through reunification or adoption;
- Demonstrating a willingness and ability to work collaboratively with biological and foster families to find solutions to problems, as well as implementing crisis intervention skills when necessary;
- Participating in monthly inspections at foster homes to review licensing standards and document non-compliances as well as corrective plans;
- Providing personal support;
- Accurately completing and maintaining case records and progress documentation in compliance with New Horizons’ Policy and the Texas DFPS Minimum Standards within an Electronic Client Management system;
- Participating in interdisciplinary meetings and evaluations; communicating results and obstacles to therapeutic team, educational personal and supervisors;
- Facilitating and managing the recruitment and training of foster parents. The Child Placement Staff has an integral role in the curriculum development and maintenance of the pre-service training program for foster parents, and will be responsible for conducting these trainings and other community trainings for New Horizons;
- Attending community meetings, staffing, and other regional meetings regarding foster care placements and program development in accordance with Foster Care Redesign;
- Following and utilizing the Employee Handbook;
- Participating in weekly supervision meetings and in frequent meetings with collaborating partners and agencies;
- Improving competence by providing educational resources; balancing work requirements with learning opportunities;
- Updating profession knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations;
- Enhancing department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments; and
- Maintaining kid and family confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.
Qualifications for Child Placement Staff include:
- Applicants must be 21 years of age or older;
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and have extensive experience working with kids, youth and trauma; or
- Possess a Master’s degree in social work or psychology.
- Applicants must have at least two years of experience working with at-risk youth and families;
- Applicants must have insight and understanding of cultural diversity and have the ability to work with diverse populations;
- Be able to perform conflict resolution or crisis intervention;
- Applicants must pass a criminal background check, drug screen, and tuberculosis screening; and
- Applicants must possess knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and Resolution as well as parenting techniques or ability to acquire applicable knowledge.
New Horizons offers:
- A team environment focused on support, accountability and maintain a safe environment where we Keep Kids First;
- 100% Paid Employee Health Insurance Premiums;
- Retirement and Flexible Spending Account; and
- Paid Time Off.
By submitting your resume and references, you agree to the following:
- I understand that a background check, a drug screen test and a TB test are conditions of my employment, and before employment begins, I must these results on file as well as three (3) character references;
- I understand I must have at least a Class ‘C’ Driver’s license and must complete a New Hire information packet; and
- If I accept an offer of employment, I hereby authorize New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. to conduct a criminal background check at any time during my employment with New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. I understand that if a criminal charge is found at any time, it could result in the termination of employment with New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc.
About New Horizons Ranch & Center, Inc.:
- Established in 1971, New Horizons has been assisting kids and families throughout Texas in our residential treatment facilities, therapeutic foster homes, and youth and family counseling programs.
- New Horizons' team strives to Keep Kids First in all decision making and program services in order to help our kids and families succeed.
- Our mission is to create an environment where kids, families and staff can heal and grow through caring relationships, unconditional love and acceptance.
- For more information, visit www.newhorizonsinc.com