Child Engagement Specialist

We are seeking compassionate and skilled individuals who want to be a part of creating a new way to deliver residential care. A Child Engagement Specialist serves as a house parent during scheduled shifts (not live-in) and provides trauma-informed, professional parenting for children in a group home setting. As an important member of the caregiving team, this position supports the physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of children while upholding Texas DFPS Minimum Standards, T3C, and evidence-based models such as Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to create a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed environment where children can heal and thrive.

This position requires the ability to implement daily routines, maintain a therapeutic environment, respond to crisis situations using approved de-escalation techniques, and build trust-based, healing relationships with boys from hard places.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in positive relationship-building activities, including play and conversation.
• Provide constant supervision, emotional support, and structure for each child in the home.
• Follow and implement each child’s individualized service and treatment plans.
• Support children with daily routines including hygiene, chores, mealtimes, homework, and bedtime.
• Use trauma-informed care and positive behavior support strategies, including approved de-escalation techniques.
• Administer and document medications in compliance with training and licensing standards.
• Model and teach life skills, appropriate social behavior, emotional regulation, problem solving, and respectful communication.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of children’s behaviors, incidents, and daily progress.
• Attend training and team meetings to stay current on all regulatory requirements.
• Transport children to school, appointments, and activities when needed.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and organization in the home setting.
• Model positive, trauma-informed interactions and professionalism in all duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required;
  Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, or related field a plus.
• Experience working with children, including those with significant trauma histories, behavioral challenges, or mental health needs preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to remain calm and emotionally regulated in stressful situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Willingness to learn and implement TBRI® and other evidence-based strategies.
• Team-oriented, compassionate, and dependable.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Ability to participate in physical activities with children.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must pass background checks, including FBI fingerprints, and drug screening as required by state law and organizational policies.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance.

SCHEDULE

This position requires the individual to work within the residential treatment home and includes holiday hours. This is a shift-based, non-exempt position. Overtime, holiday pay and night time differential may be applicable.

WHY JOIN US

J’s House is a faith-based nonprofit organization on a mission to bring love, healing, and family to kids in crisis, so they can fulfill their potential and live their best life. We strive to create a family environment for our children and staff. Committed to bringing transformational change to the children in our care, we provide a safe, nurturing environment, where they can receive services that help them heal from their complex trauma.

We are building a multidisciplinary team that values a combination of innovation, evidence, and promising practice. We want team members dedicated to collaboration and professional growth and offer a competitive hourly wage, paid time off, a monthly benefits allowance for full time employees, and opportunities for ongoing training and development.

If you have the education, experience, and passion for improving the lives of vulnerable children, we invite you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.