CPS CVS Adoption Prep Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Conroe, TX

1d • Onsite

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. CPS CVS Spec I - IV- Adoption Prep Worker This is a caseworker position in an Adoption Prep Unit housed in Conroe. This position will be housed in the Conroe office at 2017 N Frazier. The position will cover Montgomery, Walker, Liberty, and Chambers County. Adoption Prep seeks permanent placements through adoption. The position interacts routinely with children and families, representatives from various organizations, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and the general public. Provides on-going services to children in substitute care to meet specific needs by using appropriate resources to move toward reuniting family or making other permanent plans for care of children.

Requirements

• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in investigative techniques.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use various software packages including, the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System and Word.
• Ability to travel and attend community meetings after 5pm.
• Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and which may require conducting home visits in isolated or high crime areas and may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living.
• Applicants for positions which require, as part of the essential functions of the job, driving a motor vehicle, must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record and license.
• Child Protective Services Specialist I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Child Protective Services Specialist II: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and 9 months experience as a Specialist I.
• Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist for 18 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Three and one half years cumulative Child Protective Services Specialist experience AND currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III AND have received Child Protective Services Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Responsibilities

• Provides on-going services to children in substitute care to meet specific needs by using appropriate resources to move toward reuniting family or making other permanent plans for care of children.
• Initiates appropriate legal action and/or testify in court to achieve protection or permanent placement plans for children.
• Documents case records by completing forms, narratives, and reports to form a written record for each client.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
• Investigates reports of abuse/neglect to children to assess current of future risk to children by interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Attend Adoption festivals for their county
• Update TARE registration
• Update current pictures for every children annually
• Participates in National Adoption Day, Match Meetings, RAS Staffing's and all adoption events

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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees