Administrative Assistant

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Houston, TX

16d • $2,694 - $3,405 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to a unit supervisor and staff in CPS Investigations Region 6A. The role regularly interacts with DFPS staff and the general public. The position is based in Houston, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be required up to 25%. The role may also support caseworkers who supervise children without placement, helping monitor children ages primarily 10 to 17 and ensure their safety and needs—including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities—are met during office or community stays. This support may require work outside the normal schedule, for which overtime compensation may be earned.

The position requires a high school graduation or equivalent and one year of full-time administrative support, general office, clerical, secretarial, or DFPS experience. Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. No registration, licensure, or certification is required. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of full-time administrative support, general office, clerical, secretarial, or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience; 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university may substitute year for year.
• Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures.
• Skill using Microsoft Works or a Windows environment.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members and interact with all levels of staff.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and software packages at an advanced level.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, including fax, copying, and adding machines.
• Ability to work outside the normal schedule when needed for child supervision support.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check if selected for hire.

Responsibilities

• Answer and screen telephone inquiries, take and route messages, and record intake information for referral to caseworkers.
• Greet visitors, respond to general questions, and direct callers to the appropriate location.
• Prepare correspondence, forms, narratives, travel vouchers, meeting notes, performance evaluations, and other unit documents.
• Assist staff with office processes and operations, including troubleshooting office software and equipment such as copy and fax machines.
• Sort and route mail.
• Prepare time and leave forms and travel arrangements and reimbursements; assist with training activities and provide backup for other unit administrative assistants.
• Maintain a system for progress updates and develop and maintain forms, case files, and reports.
• Enter data into IMPACT and other electronic programs and systems.
• Provide program and agency information and make referrals to community resources.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy, perform other assigned duties, and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• When required, assist DFPS caseworkers with monitoring children without placement and ensuring their safety and needs are met during office or community stays.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED