Direct Care for Children

New Horizons Ranch & Center, Inc.•Abilene, TX

11d•$16 - $18

About The Position

Since 1971, we at New Horizons have been committed to “Keeping Kids First” by providing safe, therapeutic and loving environments to help our kids and families succeed. The Audrey Grace House is a residential treatment center for kids ages 5 – 17. All our kids have experienced trauma that has created emotional, behavioral, attachment and/or relationship challenges. Overcoming these challenges requires the support of a trauma-informed therapeutic environment that promotes the physical, mental and behavioral health of kids and helps them in developing their coping skills for life. The Audrey Grace House can accommodate up to thirty kids at one time and the individual length of stay is between 9 and 12 months. This posting is for the Direct Care for Children position. As a Direct Care Staff, you are responsible for creating a sense of stability for kids by providing a home-like, nurturing environment. This role is critical in helping youth develop positive relationships, coping skills, and trust. The ideal candidate will have resilience, patience, the ability to work with a team, be coachable and critical thinking skills.

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older
High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required
Applicants must pass criminal background checks, a drug screening, and a tuberculosis (TB) test
Must possess an active driver’s license
Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
Be able to perform conflict resolution and crisis intervention
Applicants must possess positive verbal and written communication skills, the ability to make logical decisions in times of crisis, and work well in a team and independently
Basic computer skills required; knowledge of Microsoft Office 365

Responsibilities

Provide daily care, supervision, and support to children ages 5-17 in a therapeutic group home setting.
Build supportive, professional relationships with youth to model and encourage positive behavior.
Cultivates a trauma-informed environment by understanding the short and long-term impacts of trauma and neglect, responding to the residents and their family/caretakers with empathy, sensitivity, and respect and maintaining trauma-sensitive interactions.
Implement crisis intervention techniques in accordance with policy, procedure and agency training and ensure that non-violent physical interventions are implemented only if a client is an immediate risk to self or others.
Maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports, progress notes, and shift logs.
Support youth with daily routines including hygiene, meals, school attendance, recreational activities, and bedtime.
Implement individualized treatment plans and therapeutic interventions developed by clinical staff.
Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and case reviews.
Ensure a safe, clean, and nurturing living environment at all times.