CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Hurst, TX

4d • 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. This position is responsible for completing face-to-face visits at facilities on heightened monitoring. The specialist conducts interviews to ensure the health and safety of children placed in those operations and monitors visits to ensure compliance with plan tasks and address concerns found during visits. The position is responsible for ensuring visits are documented in IMPACT and CLASS as per policy. The position may travel statewide 75% of the month and interacts routinely with DFPS staff, CPS Field staff, Residential Child-Care Licensing, Residential Child Care Investigations, and Residential Child Care Contracts. This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.

Requirements

• Must have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience as a Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Specialist for 24 months AND have received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Experience as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Specialist IV for 24 months AND have received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants for positions 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, insurance and license.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
• Staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Services policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Texas Family Code.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships With DFPS Staff, HHSC Staff, and Community organizations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in working on Teams.
• Skill in conducting quality interviews.
• Ability to utilize the functions of computer.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to submit reports within a short timeframe.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with limited supervision.
• Ability to travel statewide for extended periods of time.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and observations with children placed at facilities on heightened monitoring.
• Enters contact and documentation information into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System (IMPACT) and Child-Care Licensing Automation Support System (CLASS) within required agency time frames.
• Ensures operation is compliant with their heightened monitoring plan tasks.
• Monitors trend and pattern areas for on-going compliance.
• Provides technical assistance and support feedback during monitoring and safety visits.
• Research history, data, and information pertaining to children and operation.
• Writes reports and presents case information to supervisor and other parties.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships between DFPS staff, Residential Child-Care Regulations, Residential Child Care Investigations, and Residential Child Care Contracts.
• Attends and participates in training/meetings/FITS.
• 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.
• Child Protective Services is professional social work where primary duties are providing social casework services to abused, neglected, or exploited children and their families; or in recruiting, studying, and certifying foster and adoptive homes.
• A Child placement service is the decision-making process around placing and monitoring children in licensed 24-hour childcare facilities and in adoptive placement in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level