Direct Care Worker

Compass Connections • Harlingen, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Compass Connections is hiring a compassionate and dependable Direct Care Worker for its facility in Harlingen, Texas. The organization provides emergency shelter and group home placement for children while working toward family reunification. The role provides sustained, direct supervision and support to children throughout the assigned shift, helping maintain a safe, orderly environment and supporting children’s well-being and development. The hourly rate is $21.82, and the stated schedule is 1:45 pm–10 pm. Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Fluency in English and Spanish.
• One year of employment experience in the child welfare field working with children and/or adolescents in a social service setting, and/or training in a related human services field.
• First aid, CPR, and emergency behavior intervention certifications.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug screens during employment.
• Provide proof of work eligibility upon request.
• Pass pre-employment and biennial criminal background checks.
• Respond sensitively and competently to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Work collaboratively with staff members, service providers, and professionals.
• Provide crisis intervention according to Compass Connections training when needed to maintain a safe environment.
• Work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining emotional control and professional composure.
• Maintain the computer literacy required for the position.
• Work effectively without intensive supervision, independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of Compass Connections policies and procedures.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

• A two-year associate degree from an accredited program or institution, or two or more years of college-level coursework in a related human services field.
• Two or more years of related experience and/or training in a related human services field.

Responsibilities

• Meet applicable federal and state regulatory guidelines and standards.
• Document serious incidents, daily progress, and activities accurately, completely, promptly, and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assist with orientation of new children and staff.
• Provide input into treatment plan development when appropriate or requested.
• Use positive child-management techniques, including verbal redirection, de-escalation, and containment.
• Plan, organize, and supervise activities for children in accordance with the daily activity schedule.
• Teach constructive behavior and social skills, problem-solving, responsible time and money management, conversational English, personal hygiene, and life skills.
• Assist children with homework assignments.
• Maintain clean and orderly living areas; assist with household and children’s laundry, oversee daily chores, identify routine maintenance or repair needs, and report them to the Unit Manager.
• Maintain and update records of children’s clothing and personal items.
• Help maintain campus security by making required rounds, following radio communication protocols, and responding to radio calls.
• Promote positive interactions among children and encourage responsibility in the facility’s daily routine.
• Model and explain culturally and socially desired behaviors to support children’s learning.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed or requested by the position supervisor.
• Implement safety protocols, including evacuating with children and staff during emergencies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and program operations.
• Follow professional and ethical standards, show respect to agency staff, children, and community members, and comply with the dress code.
• Provide uninterrupted direct supervision of assigned children from the start of the shift until relieved.
• Follow medical and clinical staff instructions for each child and inform the Unit Manager of information affecting children’s basic health and well-being.
• Communicate positively and respectfully with children, families, agency staff, supervisors, coworkers, therapists, student interns, and volunteers.
• Move between facility areas, indoors and outdoors as needed, to provide direct supervision.
• Communicate behavioral expectations and program regulations and enforce compliance.
• Complete required documentation before the end of the shift.
• Meet deadlines set by the program supervisor and federal partners.

Benefits

• Benefits available from the first day of employment.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan options.
• Additional employer-sponsored benefits are available; applicants may ask the recruiter for a complete overview.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED