Location: Fairfield, TX
Job Type: Part‑time
Agency: Starr STAAR Resiliency Agency
About Us
Starr STAAR Resiliency Agency is a small, social, and collaborative General Residential Operation located in Fairfield, TX. Our mission is to provide the highest quality care for foster children who have experienced trauma and are in need of a safe, supportive placement.
We believe deeply in the power of patience, family, love, and empathy. Our team works together to create a therapeutic environment where children can feel secure, supported, and empowered to heal and grow.
Direct Care Specialist position (Part-Time) (PRN):
***Need to be willing to travel if located in the DFW area to Fairfield, Texas, due to this position being on the job/in-person***
This position is NOT REMOTE OR HYBRID
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid TX Driver’s license
- Must be 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements
- Prior full-time working experience, preferably in a similar environment and/or with children
- Knowledge of behavior modification and therapeutic settings
- Strong communication skills, with demonstrated ability to write legibly in a concise and understandable manner
- Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner
- Ability to work both in a team environment and independently
Required Qualifications
- Work experience in Social Work, Social Services, Human Services, or a closely related field
- Has a background in working in the foster care system and/or DFPS (preferred)
- 1 to 2 + years of experience providing treatment services and behavioral interventions for children with emotional disorders (preferred)
- Basic knowledge of behavior modification and therapeutic settings
- Ability to use good judgment, think, and react rationally and calmly in difficult and stressful situations when engaging with children
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse staff and resident population
- Ability to provide conflict resolution and de-escalation methods and techniques to ensure the well-being and safety of residents
- Proficient with basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Responsibilities
The Direct Care Specialist reports directly to the onboard Case Manager and to the CEO and is responsible for supervising children and maintaining a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment that meets the individualized care plan and personal development needs of the children in accordance with Agency standards, state licensing standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. The Direct Care Specialist will follow a designated routine as assigned.
Essential Duties
- Provide direct supervision and observation of children while in their living space or common areas; know the whereabouts of all children at all times during the shift.
- Interact, observe, and supervise children in accordance with their individualized treatment and behavior support plans.
- Set appropriate behavioral boundaries with children in accordance with Agency policy and individualized treatment and behavior support plans.
- Work in a manner that seeks to prevent crisis situations; proactively intervene to manage or de-escalate crisis situations; apply verbal redirection when deemed appropriate.
- Complete assigned duties and paperwork, such as behavior sheets, observation notes, communication logs, shift reports, personal restraint records, incident reports, etc., before the end of the shift.
- Maintain awareness of children’s behavior and utilize the proper intervention and appropriate consequence in accordance with Agency policy and the child’s individual treatment and behavior support plans; accurately document the behavior and intervention using the designated forms.
- Provide children with a full range of basic living skills, including, but not limited to, bathing, feeding, cleaning, shopping, and laundry.
- Clean, cook, organize, and maintain the children’s living space to provide a safe and therapeutic environment
- Ensure safety, security, and sanitation standards are always maintained in all work areas.
- Accompany children and participate in and manage therapy sessions as needed.
- Teach, supervise, and assist children in achieving their daily goals
- Converse with children to reinforce positive behavior and promote social interaction and community inclusion
- Accompany and/or transport children to medical appointments, outings, and activities using established safety protocol
- Assist with the new resident orientation
- Report and properly document all incidents in a timely manner (prior to the end of the shift)
- Prepare and attend supervision, unit, team, and facility meetings as required
- Provide back-up services and assistance to other units/programs when needed
- Complete required training hours per licensing standards
- Other duties and special projects as assigned
Working Relationships
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with the program management team and staff, children, and volunteers to meet the needs of the children and ensure the program goals and objectives are being met
- Work closely with management and the program staff to ensure program operations, goals and objectives are being met and the children are receiving the highest quality of services and support
- Work as a team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude toward both internal and external clients that reflect positively on the Agency and are consistent with Agency policies and practices.
- Work within the Agency’s Code of Ethics and establish working relationships within the ethical boundaries established
- Provide a safe and loving environment for children
Pay:
- May vary based on qualifications
Schedule Days:
Schedule Times:
- 0600 - 1400
- 0800 - 1500
- 1400 - 2200
- 1500 - 2100
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $14.50 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 24.0 per week
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Fairfield, TX 75840: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- child care: 1 year (Preferred)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
