Job Title: Direct Care Staff
Location: Creighton Oaks Treatment Center – Conroe, TX
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Shift Supervisor and Program Manager
Position Summary
Direct Care Staff are essential front-line caregivers responsible for providing structured supervision, trauma-informed guidance, and emotional support to youth in care at Creighton Oaks Treatment Center (COTC). Staff implement individualized service plans, support the development of life skills, ensure safety, and assist in managing behaviors in compliance with Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 748, including behavior intervention, youth rights, documentation, and staffing ratio requirements. This role is critical to promoting stability, safety, and therapeutic growth within a structured residential setting.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Required)
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old in compliance with TAC §748.103
- Experience: Minimum of one year working with children or youth in a residential, mental health, educational, or youth services setting
- Licensure: Valid Texas Driver’s License and proof of liability insurance
- Clearance: Must meet criminal history and Central Registry background check requirements under TAC §745.615
Key Responsibilities
Youth Supervision & Support
- Provide daily trauma-informed care, guidance, and mentoring to youth experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges
- Supervise youth in accordance with individual treatment plans and ensure active engagement in therapeutic and recreational activities
- Facilitate structured groups including life skills, behavior modification, health and hygiene, and enrichment topics, as permitted under TAC §748.701
- Encourage personal responsibility, decision-making, conflict resolution, and independent living skill development
- Monitor and assist with youth grooming, hygiene, and maintenance of clean personal and shared living spaces
- Participate in enrollment or withdrawal processes for youth assigned to public or alternative education programs
Safety, Crisis Prevention & Behavior Intervention
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment that aligns with the facility’s behavior management program and complies with TAC §748.1501–748.1507
- Intervene using non-confrontational methods and approved Emergency Behavior Intervention (EBI) techniques, in accordance with TAC §748.2701–748.2751
- Monitor and adhere to staff-to-child ratios during all assigned shifts: 5:1 during waking hours and 10:1 during sleeping hours per TAC §748.1001–748.1013
- Accurately administer and document youth medications (as delegated and trained), complying with TAC §748.2253–748.2255
- Document incidents involving injuries, illness, behavior events, restraints, medication, and emotional episodes using agency-approved systems
Administrative & Operational Duties
- Transport youth safely using facility vehicles; complete mileage logs and conduct vehicle safety inspections
- Complete shift reports, incident documentation, and youth progress notes by the end of shift in compliance with licensing and agency timelines
- Perform facility-related duties such as laundry (marking, washing, folding), room checks, and maintenance follow-ups
- Submit and respond to work orders or maintenance requests as needed
- Attend mandatory trainings, treatment team meetings, and facility-wide meetings as scheduled
- Maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, and CPI, as required under TAC §748.941–748.945
- Adhere to all attendance policies; communicate absences or lateness following agency procedures
Child Welfare & Mandated Reporting
- Immediately report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of youth to DFPS and notify the Program Director per TAC §748.1015
- Ensure confidentiality, protect youth rights, and demonstrate respect for all youth in alignment with TAC §748.1505 (Youth Rights and Responsibilities)
Core Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and youth engagement skills
- Effective crisis management and de-escalation techniques
- Consistency in behavior modeling, supervision, and limit-setting
- Professionalism, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach
- Ability to follow structure, implement therapeutic routines, and work collaboratively
Work Conditions
- Residential, campus-based environment with exposure to youth behavioral crises
- Physical requirements include standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs, and active engagement during recreational or intervention tasks
- Must be available for shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overnight duties as needed
Equal Opportunity Statement
Creighton Oaks Treatment Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination. COTC fully adheres to all licensing and employment requirements of the Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 748, as governed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
