Verification/Recruitment Specialist

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

37d

About The Position

The Child Placement Recruitment & Verification Specialist works closely with the Child Placing Agency Administrator and Executive Leadership to recruit, verify, train, and support foster families in Abilene and surrounding areas. This position oversees the foster parent recruitment and verification process, represents New Horizons in community outreach efforts, ensures compliance with Texas DFPS Minimum Standards, and serves as a key resource for staff, foster parents, legal guardians, and conservators. This role works directly with foster parents and children, including youth who may exhibit behavioral challenges related to trauma, and ensures that all recruitment and verification practices align with New Horizons’ Philosophy and Treatment Model. All New Horizons staff are expected to study, practice, and operate within the Philosophy of Keeping Kids First. Every decision and action must be motivated by meeting the highest needs of each child. New Horizons will not tolerate anyone who is not committed to keeping children safe from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. All New Horizons’ Staff are expected to study, practice and operate within the New Horizons’ Treatment Model and 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.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related human services field
Experience working with foster families, at-risk youth, and/or a Child Placing Agency
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and resolution (or ability to acquire)
Strong understanding of cultural diversity and ability to work with diverse populations
Ability to perform conflict resolution and crisis intervention
Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Reliable personal vehicle and ability to travel regularly
Must pass criminal background check, drug screening, and tuberculosis screening

Responsibilities

Verification Specialist: This is an opportunity to grow your impact by helping kids find safe, stable, and nurturing homes by recruiting and supporting foster parents in our community. You’ll work closely with the CPA team, foster families, and kids to live out our Keeping Kids First philosophy in a hands-on, meaningful way. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building relationships, is a great communicator, stays organized, is flexible to meet the demands of families.
Foster Parent Recruiter: This is a new role to the agency! This role is centered on community engagement—building relationships, sharing our mission, raising awareness of our brand and connecting with families through local events, outreach efforts, and grassroots recruiting. The Foster Parent Recruiter represents Keeping Kids First in the community while helping families understand how they can provide safe, supportive foster care during a critical season in a child’s life.
Recruit foster parents and evaluate their suitability as caregivers
Build and maintain strong community relationships to support foster parent recruitment
Represent New Horizons at community events, trainings, churches, and outreach opportunities
Provide education to the community regarding foster care and services offered by New Horizons
Oversee and manage the foster parent application and verification process
Ensure accurate, timely, and organized completion of all verification and licensing documentation
Maintain compliance with Texas DFPS Minimum Standards and New Horizons’ policies
Hold self, staff, and foster parents accountable to standards and best practices that ensure child safety and risk reduction
Act as a resource to Child Placement staff regarding recruitment, verification, and foster family support
Provide documented supervision and guidance to ensure agency philosophy and policies are carried out effectively
Work collaboratively with foster families, biological families, conservators, legal guardians, and community professionals
Demonstrate and teach approved parenting techniques and trauma-informed practices when appropriate
Work directly with foster parents and youth, including those with trauma-related behavioral challenges
Respect the dignity and worth of children and families while pursuing permanency through reunification or adoption
Utilize conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills when needed
Maintain confidentiality of all child, family, and foster parent records
Ensure encryption and proper handling of confidential documents and communications
Attend all required trainings and pursue ongoing professional development
Maintain accurate records within the appropriate electronic client management system
Communicate regularly with supervisor and seek supervision when appropriate
Maintain flexibility in work hours to meet recruitment and verification needs
Complete other duties as assigned.