Training and Development Specialist

Since 1971, we at New Horizons have been committed to “Keeping Kids First” by providing safe, therapeutic and loving environments to help our kids and families succeed. Every decision we make centers on the safety, well-being, and long-term success of the children in our care. We are proud to be a leader in child welfare in Texas, offering a range of specialized services across the continuum of care. New Horizons operates the only two Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) in the entire state—demonstrating our commitment to high-quality, trauma-informed residential care for youth with complex needs.
In addition to our QRTPs, we offer a fully accredited Child Placing Agency (CPA) , supporting safe and nurturing foster and adoptive homes. Our Family Programs Division provides critical community-based services through:

• FAYS (Family and Youth Success) – strengthening families and helping at-risk youth
• Kinship Services – supporting relatives who step in to care for children in need
• Family Resource Center (FRC) – providing wraparound support and local access to resources for families in crisis or transition

Together, these programs form a robust, integrated support system focused on building resilience, restoring hope, and achieving long-term positive outcomes.
At New Horizons, you won't just be joining a team—you’ll be joining a movement to protect and uplift children and families across Texas.
The Training & Development Specialist plays a critical role in advancing New Horizons’ commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based care. This position is responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating training programs for staff at all levels—from new hire onboarding to advanced clinical and behavioral topics. Grounded in the agency’s Philosophy and Guidelines and the Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) framework, the Specialist fosters knowledge, skills, and practice alignment across the organization.
This role requires a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, exceptional communication and facilitation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams. Ideal candidates are either certified TBRI Practitioners or have extensive experience applying TBRI principles in child welfare or behavioral health settings.

At New Horizons, our mission is Keeping Kids First . Every action and decision must be driven by a commitment to the safety, dignity, and best interest of every child in our care.

🔹 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training & Facilitation

• Deliver engaging in-person and virtual training on TBRI, trauma-informed care, agency policies, and client care best practices
• Lead new hire onboarding and orientation sessions aligned with the agency’s treatment model and core values
• Adapt training delivery to meet the needs of different roles (clinical, residential, administrative, leadership)

Curriculum Development

• Develop, update, and adapt training materials and resources in alignment with TBRI, licensing standards, and COA accreditation requirements
• Ensure all training content is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate

Coaching & Capacity Building

• Provide ongoing coaching and consultation to supervisors and direct care staff to support implementation of TBRI principles
• Promote trauma-informed practices within program design, behavior intervention planning, and crisis response strategies

Evaluation & Compliance

• Track and maintain accurate records of training attendance, certification status, and learning outcomes
• Evaluate training effectiveness through feedback tools, performance indicators, and continuous improvement processes
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards

🔹 Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field
• Certification or formal training in TBRI required (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in training, staff development, or facilitation, preferably in a child welfare, mental health, or residential care setting
• Deep understanding of trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and child development
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work with diverse teams
• Organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities independently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital learning platforms (Zoom, LMS, etc.)
• Experience in residential treatment or foster care settings preferred

Base Salary Range : $60,000 to $65,000 per year*
*Based on experience, educational background and specialized skills.

💙 Why Join New Horizons?
At New Horizons, you'll be part of a mission-driven team working together to protect and empower children. You'll be supported by leadership that values your expertise, promotes innovation, and ensures your voice is heard.
🔹 What You Get When You Work for New Horizons
We want to support you while you care for children!

• 100% Paid Health Insurance Premiums for Employees (60 days after starting date)
• Paid Time Off starts immediately upon hire
• Tuition/Education Reimbursement
• Eligible for Bonus
• Mental Health support
• Professional Development and Training provided in the Youth Mental Health Field
• Life Insurance Equal to Salary (60 days after start date)
• 150% 401K Retirement Match after 1 Year of employment
• $500 in Flexible Spending Account after 2 years of employment
• Paid Work Anniversary trips at 5+ years

*To learn more about New Horizons and other positions that may be available please visit our website: