Direct Care Staff Support

New-Horizons-Ranch-and-Center; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) retirement match

Flexible Spending Account

Paid work anniversary trips

Job summary

New Horizons in Abilene, TX is seeking a Child Development Specialist to support the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children in a residential treatment setting. You will provide structured, nurturing, and therapeutic care to children who have experienced trauma, helping them feel safe and supported.

The role requires compassionate communication, crisis de-escalation, and collaboration with the treatment team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED is required; additional education in child development, psychology, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both oral and written communication.
• Proven ability to support children and youth during crisis situations, including de-escalation.
• Strong awareness and sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment prioritizing physical and emotional well-being.
• Ensure continuous supervision of assigned children.
• Intervene to prevent or de-escalate unsafe behaviors.
• Implement individualized developmental and behavioral strategies with the treatment team.
• Provide structured routines and activities fostering independence and emotional regulation.
• Maintain accurate records related to medication, hygiene, and activities.

Skills

Communication

Crisis de-escalation

Cultural awareness

Education

High school diploma

Job description

REQUIRED: A BIG HEART AND A DESIRE TO HELP CHILDREN

At New Horizons, we are looking for people with big hearts and those ready to change a child's life for the better. Whether you are just beginning your career or are experienced in the field of helping children, we need you.

Our team strives to keep kids first when making decisions and are the reason that children and families succeed.

WHAT WE OFFER

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Health Insurance

New Horizons pays health insurance premiums for all full-time employees. Coverage begins on the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment.

401k

Currently, New Horizons offers a significant match to employees with 2 or more years of service.

Z

Optional Policies

You can choose to add Dental, Vision, Long or Short-Term Disability, Cancer Policy, and other policies fit for your needs.

Flex Spending

After 2 years of employment, New Horizons provides you with $500 annually in a flexible spending account.

Paid Time Off

All employees start accruing time off upon the first day of employment.

Commitment Bonus

New Horizons provides family trips to employees at 5th Work Anniversary, 10th Work Anniversary, and on.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Position:Direct Care Staff Support

Location: ABILENE, TX

Job Id:275

# of Openings:1

The Child Development Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children living in a residential treatment environment. Working directly with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or behavioral health challenges, this position provides structured, nurturing, and therapeutic care to promote healing and resilience. The Child Development Specialist is expected to develop a thorough knowledge of the New Horizons' Philosophy of Keeping Kids First and its Treatment Model. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of each child.
• Ensure continuous and appropriate supervision of assigned children based on individual needs, risk factors, age, and developmental level.
• Intervene promptly and appropriately to prevent or de-escalate unsafe behaviors and maintain a therapeutic environment.
• Always maintain auditory and/or visual awareness of children's ongoing activities, including one-on-one or line-of-sight supervision for high-risk individuals.
• Implement individualized developmental and behavioral strategies in collaboration with the treatment team.
• Provide structured routines and flexible, developmentally appropriate activities that foster independence, skill-building, and emotional regulation.
• Cultivate strong, nurturing relationships through consistent, positive reinforcement and active listening.
• Assist children with personal care and hygiene needs while promoting self-care skills.
• Actively participate in treatment planning and team meetings, offering observations and input regarding child behavior, progress, and needs.
• Ensure continuity of care during shift changes through detailed verbal and written communication with colleagues.
• Assist children in navigating phone calls, visits, and other interpersonal interactions with family members or service providers.
• Support children in attending appointments, meetings, and court-related events as needed.
• Complete daily progress notes for each assigned child, reflecting behavior, achievements, incidents, and interventions used.
• Maintain accurate records related to medication administration, hygiene, activities, and other care-related documentation.
• Update internal logs and communication tools to ensure consistent and informed care across shifts and caregivers.
• Administer prescribed psychotropic and over-the-counter medications in accordance with medical orders and licensing standards (upon completion of required training).
• Conduct regular safety checks of residential areas and promptly report any health, safety, fire, or environmental hazards.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of children's living areas, including laundry, linens, and personal belongings.
• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and licensing standards as outlined in the New Horizons Employee Handbook.
• Maintain current knowledge of child development practices, trauma-informed care, and agency-specific protocols through participation in required annual training hours, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Safely transport children to and from school, appointments, recreational activities, and other community engagements.
• Promote community participation and age-appropriate social experiences that enhance the child's sense of normalcy and belonging.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by Team Leaders, House Director and or Administrator, to support the treatment and daily operations of the residential program.

Shifts

• SUNDAY-THURSDAY 2pm-10pm
• TUESDAY-SATURDAY 2pm-10pm
• 40 hours only

Qualifications

To be considered for the position of Child Development Specialist, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age (unless otherwise approved by agency leadership in accordance with licensing standards).
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required; additional education in child development, psychology, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both oral and written communication, with the ability to interact effectively with children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Proven ability to support children and youth during crisis situations, including de-escalation, conflict resolution, and behavioral intervention.
• Strong awareness and sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and tuberculosis (TB) screening as required by regulatory and licensing standards.
• Ability to function under the direction of the Team Leader, exercising sound judgment and discretion within the scope of the role.
• Prior experience working in residential treatment, foster care, behavioral health, or a related setting is strongly preferred.

Working

Mixed indoor and outdoor environment, involving continuous interaction with kids, requires flexible hours.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to fulfill the physical requirements of the position including considerable walking, good hearing to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately, the ability to perform CPR and First Aid, and be able to respond when a child is a danger to him/herself or others including performing physical restraints.

Why Join New Horizons?
At New Horizons, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to protecting and empowering children. Our leadership team values expertise, encourages innovation, and ensures every voice is heard. We believe that when we care well for our team, they can care exceptionally for kids.

What You Get When You Work for New Horizons

• A generous benefits package currently above industry standards including
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off starting on your first day
• 401(k) retirement match after 1 year of employment
• Flexible Spending Account contribution after 2 years of employment
• Paid work anniversary trips beginning at 5 years of service

The services you strengthen, the staff you develop, and the decisions you make in this role will directly impact the lives of children who need safety, stability, and healing.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and keep kids first in every decision, we'd be honored to meet you.

The Child Development Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children living in a residential treatment environment. Working directly with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or behavioral health challenges, this position provides structured, nurturing, and therapeutic care to promote healing and resilience. The Child Development Specialist is expected to develop a thorough knowledge of the New Horizons' Philosophy of Keeping Kids First and its Treatment Model. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment that prioritizes the physical and emotional well-being of each child.
• Ensure continuous and appropriate supervision of assigned children based on individual needs, risk factors, age, and developmental level.
• Intervene promptly and appropriately to prevent or de-escalate unsafe behaviors and maintain a therapeutic environment.
• Always maintain auditory and/or visual awareness of children's ongoing activities, including one-on-one or line-of-sight supervision for high-risk individuals.
• Implement individualized developmental and behavioral strategies in collaboration with the treatment team.
• Provide structured routines and flexible, developmentally appropriate activities that foster independence, skill‑building, and emotional regulation.
• Cultivate strong, nurturing relationships through consistent, positive reinforcement and active listening.
• Assist children with personal care and hygiene needs while promoting self‑care skills.
• Actively participate in treatment planning and team meetings, offering observations and input regarding child behavior, progress and needs.
• Ensure continuity of care during shift changes through detailed verbal and written communication with colleagues.
• Assist children in navigating phone calls, visits, and other interpersonal interactions with family members or service providers.
• Support children in attending appointments, meetings, and court‑related events as needed.
• Complete daily progress notes for each assigned child, reflecting behavior, achievements, incidents, and interventions used.
• Maintain accurate records related to medication administration, hygiene, activities, and other care‑related documentation.
• Update internal logs and communication tools to ensure consistent and informed care across shifts and caregivers.
• Administer prescribed psychotropic and over‑the‑counter medications in accordance with medical orders and licensing standards (upon completion of required training).
• Conduct regular safety checks of residential areas and promptly report any health, safety, fire, or environmental hazards.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of children's living areas, including laundry, linens, and personal belongings.
• Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and licensing standards as outlined in the New Horizons Employee Handbook.
• Maintain current knowledge of child development practices, trauma‑informed care, and agency‑specific protocols through participation in required annual training hours, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Safely transport children to and from school, appointments, recreational activities, and other community engagements.
• Promote community participation and age‑appropriate social experiences that enhance the child's sense of normalcy and belonging.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by Team Leaders, House Director and or Administrator, to support the treatment and daily operations of the residential program.

Shifts

• SUNDAY-THURSDAY 2pm-10pm
• TUESDAY-SATURDAY 2pm-10pm
• 40 hours only

Qualifications

To be considered for the position of Child Development Specialist, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age (unless otherwise approved by agency leadership in accordance with licensing standards).
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required; additional education in child development, psychology, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both oral and written communication, with the ability to interact effectively with children, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Proven ability to support children and youth during crisis situations, including de-escalation, conflict resolution, and behavioral intervention.
• Strong awareness and sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic diversity, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and tuberculosis (TB) screening as required by regulatory and licensing standards.
• Ability to function under the direction of the Team Leader, exercising sound judgment and discretion within the scope of the role.
• Prior experience working in residential treatment, foster care, behavioral health, or a related setting is strongly preferred.

Working

Mixed indoor and outdoor environment, involving continuous interaction with kids, requires flexible hours.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to fulfill the physical requirements of the position including considerable walking, good hearing to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately, the ability to perform CPR and First Aid, and be able to respond when a child is a danger to him/herself or others including performing physical restraints.

Why Join New Horizons?
At New Horizons, you become part of a mission-driven organization committed to protecting and empowering children. Our leadership team values expertise, encourages innovation, and ensures every voice is heard. We believe that when we care well for our team, they can care exceptionally for kids.

What You Get When You Work for New Horizons

• A generous benefits package currently above industry standards including
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off starting on your first day
• 401(k) retirement match after 1 year of employment
• Flexible Spending Account contribution after 2 years of employment
• Paid work anniversary trips beginning at 5 years of service

The services you strengthen, the staff you develop, and the decisions you make in this role will directly impact the lives of children who need safety, stability, and healing.

If you're ready to lead with purpose and keep kids first in every decision, we'd be honored to meet you.

New Horizons helps children and families in Texas through counseling, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment.

New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. DBA New Horizons is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, tax identification 75-1530340.

New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to high-performance standards and best practices for child welfare and behavioral health.