Appeals Resolution Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Lake Worth, TX

24d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. The Appeals Resolution Specialist (ARS) performs Administrative Reviews of Investigation Findings (ARIF) conducted by Child Protective Investigations (CPI). This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services, advisory and technical assistance work. Work involves interpreting local, state and federal statutes, as well as agency policies and procedures related to child abuse, neglect and exploitation investigations. Work also involves effective coordination and communication to ensure efficient delivery of services to the public, contracted service providers, community organizations, governmental agencies, and Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff. The ARS works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent critical judgement.

Requirements

• Knowledge of DFPS policy and procedure, and local, state, and federal law related to abuse, neglect and exploitation of children.
• Knowledge of case management principals, standards and methods; complaint resolution techniques and best practices.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics to include domestic violence, substance use, mental health or other identified high-risk factors.
• Skilled in assessing and analyzing information as it relates to abuse, neglect and exploitation involving children to determine investigation findings in accordance with applicable state law and agency policy.
• Skilled in critical thinking.
• Skilled in verbal and written communication to include oral presentations and/or trainings.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, agency staff, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive and professional reports regarding findings.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Three years’ experience in CPI, Child Care Investigations (CCI), Alternative Response (AR) Special Investigations (SI) or closely related program.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, social service, professional or technical work which includes: analysis or work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material. Experience must be in DFPS Investigations - CPI, CCI, AR or SI.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and conducts administrative reviews in accordance with agency rules, policies and practices.
• Assists in development and implementation of policies, procedures and best practices within the Office of Appeals without disruption to delivery of agency program services.
• Collects, reviews and analyzes ARIF findings to identify trends and patterns to enhance CPI investigation practices.
• May serve as a witness and testify at State Office of Administrative Hearings.
• Acts as subject matter expert and routinely interacts with DFPS agency staff and other internal stakeholders, protective services clients, external stakeholders, attorneys, legislative offices, and the general public.
• Develops training materials/presentations and provides training to DPFS agency staff and external stakeholders as requested.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and represents the Office of Appeals/DFPS in a professional manner.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees