Verification/Recruitment Specialist

Child Placement Recruitment & Verification Specialist

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.

Duties and 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.

Recruitment & Community Engagement

• 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

Foster Parent Verification & Compliance

• 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

Supervision, Support & Collaboration

• 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

Direct Work with Families & Children

• 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

Professional Standards & Administration

• 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.

Qualifications

• Outline the minimum and preferred qualifications necessary for the position. Include education, certifications/licensure, experience, and key skills.
• Required:
• 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

Working Conditions

• Regular travel using personal vehicle
• Work with families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Collection and management of sensitive personal information

Physical Requirements

• Driving to foster homes and community locations
• Walking indoors and outdoors, including stairs

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