Verification Specialist

We are looking for an individual to join our Child Placing Agency team of dedicated employees who desire to help kids and adolescents find safe, stable and permanent, Forever Families. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently and as part of team and a passion for working with kids and families. All New Horizons’ Staff are expected to study, practice and operate within the New Horizons’ 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. At New Horizons, we Keep Kids First while providing a safe, therapeutic and loving environment for kids and adolescents. Through our Child Placing Agency, we recruit and train families to provide a home to boys and girls, ages birth to adulthood, who have been removed from their biological homes due to neglect and/or abuse. Our Child Placement Verification Staff work closely with our Child Placing Agency Administrator and is responsible for recruitment and verification of foster parents in the Abilene and the surrounding areas as well as all Child Placement Staff, families, and children involved. This position works directly with foster parents, legal guardians, and conservators while receiving direction from the Director and Executive level staff when needed. The position also works directly with kids who may exhibit behavioral problems related to the trauma they have experienced. We are looking for an individual who: Values a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person or kid; Recognizes and values the capacity of people to grow and change; Establishes respectful relationships to help others gain skills and confidence; Works well independently and collaboratively with other personnel and professionals; Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, training skills and leadership capabilities; Adheres to the Texas DFPS Minimum Standards and New Horizons’ Policies; Sets appropriate limits both in relationships and in personal work ethic; Embraces and embodies the Philosophy of New Horizons; Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills; Demonstrates excellent written, oral and electronic communication skills; Is willing and able to participate in the development of the foster care program; Works collaboratively with youth, families, other agencies, community professionals, and New Horizons’ staff; Recruits foster parents and evaluates their suitability as caregivers; Provides properly documented supervision and assure that agency philosophy and policies are carried out in a timely manner; Holds themselves, staff, and foster parents accountable to the minimum standards and to any best practice that keeps children safe and avoids risk; Demonstrates approved, proper parenting techniques and the ability to teach and communicate these techniques to staff and foster parents when appropriate. Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Keeping Kids Safe! Showing consistent management of application and verification documentation; Respecting the dignity and worth of clients and foster parents while seeking permanency for kids through reunification or adoption; Demonstrating a willingness and ability to work collaboratively with biological and foster families to find solutions to problems, as well as implementing crisis intervention skills when necessary; Following and utilizing the Employee Handbook; Updating professional knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations; Engaging with the community to provide outreach and education about foster care and services offered by New Horizons; Enhancing department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments; Supervising and assuring completion of all documentation; accurately, in a timely manner and within the appropriate electronic client management system; Maintaining kid and family confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records; Attending all relevant in-service training offered at New Horizons to expand knowledge of services and the application of clinical skills; Communicating regularly with supervisor and seek supervision when appropriate; Adhering to the philosophy of New Horizons; Completing other duties as assigned by supervisor. Confidential Information: Child Placement Verification Staff will have access to confidential records, including youth files, foster care records, and foster parent information. Confidentiality must be maintained, and policies related to personnel records and client records must be followed; including the encryption of all outgoing documents and/or emails with client identifying information. Qualifications for Child Placement Verification Staff include: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older; Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or an applicable human services related field. Applicants must have experience working with at-risk youth and families involved with a Child Placing Agency, as well as a basic knowledge of trauma and resolution. Applicants must have insight and understanding of cultural diversity and have the ability to work with diverse populations; Be able to perform conflict resolution or crisis intervention; Applicants must pass a criminal background check, drug screen, and tuberculosis screening; Applicants must possess knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and Resolution as well as parenting techniques or ability to acquire applicable knowledge; Applicants must have a reliable personal vehicle for travel to the assigned areas and to the main office in Abilene. A mileage reimbursement rate is available for appropriate and approved travel. New Horizons offers: A team environment focused on support, accountability and maintain a safe environment where we Keep Kids First; 100% Paid Employee Health Insurance Premiums; Retirement and Flexible Spending Account; Paid Time Off. By submitting your resume and references, you agree to the following: I understand that a background check, a drug screen test and a TB test are conditions of my employment, and before employment begins, I must have these results on file as well as three (3) character references; I understand I must have at least a Class ‘C’ Driver’s license and must complete a New Hire information packet; If I accept an offer of employment, I hereby authorize New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. to conduct a criminal background check at any time during my employment with New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. I understand that if a criminal charge is found at any time, it could result in the termination of employment with New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc. About New Horizons Ranch & Center, Inc.: Established in 1971, New Horizons has been assisting kids and families throughout Texas in our residential treatment facilities, therapeutic foster homes, and youth and family counseling programs. New Horizons' team strives to Keep Kids First in all decision making and program services in order to help our kids and families succeed. Our mission is to create an environment where kids, families and staff can heal and grow through caring relationships, unconditional love and acceptance. For more information, visit #J-18808-Ljbffr New Horizons Ranch and Center, Inc.