FAYS Family Support Specialist

Family Support Specialist

We are looking for a Family Support Specialist to join our FAYS (FAMILY AND YOUTH SUCCESS) Program. This position is part of our team dedicated to helping kids and families in our community and the surrounding areas including Abilene, Coleman, Anson, Hawley, and Brownwood. This position will be officed in Abilene but may require routine travel. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently and as part of a 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 FAYS Program, we offer services to help support kids and families.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
• A Master's degree from an accredited University in social work, psychology, or human services related field is preferred; OR
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited University in social work, psychology, or human services related field with one year direct experience working with at-risk youth and/or families.
• Must be willing to work towards getting their Clinical License.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License and an acceptable driving record.
• If education required is not met, may be substituted with at least eight years' experience working with at-risk youth and families.

Detailed Responsibilities:

• Keeping Kids First!
• Keeping Kids Safe!
• Provide crisis intervention, curriculum-based youth and parent skills training, and counseling to children and families.
• Meet contractual requirements, maintain a minimum number caseload, and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
• Answer phone calls during shifts of a 24/7 on-call rotation.
• Participate in advocacy outreach and program promotion.
• Maintain compliance with DFPS and other contract requirements.
• Must have a strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and demonstrate an ability to continue learning through supervision, continuing education, and experience and work cooperatively using a team approach.
• Adhere to HIPAA policies and procedures.
• Maintain written chronological records of family progress.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, other agencies, community professionals, and New Horizons' staff.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor and seek supervision when appropriate.
• Adhere to the philosophy of New Horizons.
• Respect the dignity and worth of clients and families.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Confidential Information:

• This position will have access to confidential records including youth files, family files, foster care records, and foster parent information and must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records. This includes the encryption of all outgoing documents and/or emails with client identifying information.

New Horizons Offers:

• A team environment focused on support, accountability, and maintaining 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.
• We are a COA accredited Agency.
• For more information, visit www.newhorizonsinc.com.