CPS Conservatorship Worker

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Beeville, TX

78d • $3,816 - $5,372 • Remote

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected - children, elderly, and people with disabilities - from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The position of CPS Conservatorship Worker involves being appointed by Texas courts to serve as a 'Conservator' of children removed from their homes, ensuring their welfare and monitoring their care while in CPS conservatorship. The role requires working closely with families and legal parties to help children find a permanent, safe place to live.

Requirements

• An accredited Bachelor's degree OR an accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and travel for work-related appointments.
• Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and conduct home visits in various conditions.
• Must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health.
• Previous professional or volunteer experience in a government agency, nonprofit, child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, or substance abuse services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care or experience conducting interviews or assessments with children and families.

Responsibilities

• Receives cases from investigators after children are removed from their homes and placed in CPS conservatorship.
• Determines each child's needs and ensures appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, records, or further assessments are made.
• Works with children, families, and communities to plan for a child's permanency.
• Identifies potential permanency resources for the child through ongoing contact with parents and family members.
• Searches for potential kinship providers and completes home studies of family members or friends.
• Meets with parents to assess risk and safety issues and refers them to appropriate services.
• Meets with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public and private settings.
• Collaborates with a Placement Team for placements as needed.
• Participates in meetings and conferences at convenient times for family members.
• Visits children monthly to assess their feelings of safety and discuss their needs.
• Attends and participates in court hearings about the child and family.
• Keeps all parties informed about the child's circumstances and significant events.
• Works with the department's attorney to prepare for contested-court hearings.
• Ensures kinship caregivers and foster parents have the necessary support.
• Transitions children home during reunification services and provides family support.
• Supervises adoptive placements until finalization or transfer to an adoption caseworker.
• Documents case records by completing forms, narratives, and reports.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with various stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and clients.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits.
• Special discounts on products and services through the Discount Purchase Program.
• Longevity pay.
• Generous paid leave.
• Access to the Wellness program.
• Lifetime retirement annuity.
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree