Direct Care for Children

About New Horizons

Since 1971, New Horizons has been committed to “Keeping Kids First” by providing safe, therapeutic, and loving environments to help children and families succeed. The Audrey Grace House is a residential treatment center for kids ages 5 – 17, accommodating up to thirty youths at a time with individual stays of 9 – 12 months. All residents have experienced trauma that creates emotional, behavioral, attachment, and relationship challenges, requiring a trauma‑informed therapeutic environment.

Position Summary

The Direct Care for Children position is responsible for creating a stable, home‑like, nurturing environment for youth. This role helps young people develop positive relationships, coping skills, and trust. Ideal candidates are resilient, patient, team‑oriented, coachable, and possess strong critical‑thinking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, supervision, and support to children ages 5‑17 in a therapeutic group‑home setting.
• Build supportive, professional relationships with youth to model and encourage positive behavior.
• Cultivate a trauma‑informed environment by understanding the impacts of trauma and responding with empathy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Implement crisis‑intervention techniques per policy and ensure non‑violent physical interventions are used only when a client poses an immediate risk to self or others.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including incident reports, progress notes, and shift logs.
• Support youth with daily routines such as hygiene, meals, school attendance, recreational activities, and bedtime.
• Implement individualized treatment plans and therapeutic interventions developed by clinical staff.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and case reviews.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and nurturing living environment at all times.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Pass criminal background checks, drug screening, and tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Active driver’s license.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high‑stress situations.
• Skill in conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
• Positive verbal and written communication skills; ability to make logical decisions during crises.
• Work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Office 365.

Pay

$16 – $18 per hour, based on experience, educational background, and/or specialized skills.

Schedule

Full‑time position with a minimum of 40 hours per week. Direct Care Staff work a three‑week rotating schedule with overtime opportunities.

Benefits

• 100% paid health‑insurance premiums for employees (effective 60 days after start date).
• Paid time off starts immediately upon hire.
• Tuition/education reimbursement.
• Christmas bonus.
• Mental‑health support.
• Professional development and training in the youth mental‑health field.
• Life insurance equal to salary (effective 60 days after start date).
• 150% 401(k) retirement match after one year of employment.
• $500 in flexible spending account after two years of employment.
• Paid work‑anniversary trips after five or more years of service.
• COA‑accredited agency.