CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Houston, TX

5d

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 Heightened Monitoring Specialist III-IV HM staff will be responsible for completing face to face visits at facilities on heightened monitoring. HM staff conducts interviews to ensure the health and safety of children placed in those operations. HM staff conduct monitoring visit to ensure compliance with plan tasks and address concerns found during visits. HM staff are responsible for ensuring visits are documented in IMPACT and CLASS as per policy. The position may travel statewide 75% of the month. The position interacts routinely with DFPS staff, CPS Field staff, Residential Child-Care Licensing, Residential Child Care Investigations, and Residential Child Care Contracts.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Must have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or Child Care Regulations Inspector: Employed as a Child Protective Specialist or Child Care Regulations Inspector for 24 months AND have received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR Child Care Regulations Inspector Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR currently employed as a Child Care Regulations Inspector in Texas Human Services Commission OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or previously employed as a Child Care Regulations Inspector in Texas Human Services Commission.
• Must have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV or Child Care Regulations Inspector: Employed as a Child Protective Specialist or Child Care Regulations Inspector for 24 months AND have received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR Child Care Regulations Inspector Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR currently employed as a Child Care Regulations Inspector in Texas Human Services Commission OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or previously employed as a Child Care Regulations Inspector in Texas Human Services Commission.
• Acceptable Substitutions: Any current or former employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or Texas Health and Human Services Commission who meets the current Minimum Qualifications (with the exception of certification requirements) and who, as of September 1, 2022, has twenty-four months experience as a Child Protective Services worker or Child Care Regulations Inspector. Any applicant who meets the current Minimum Qualifications (with the exception of certification requirements) and who has two years’ experience as a Child Protective Services worker or Child Care Regulations Inspector or supervisor in another state.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred Location: Region 6
• This position must be filled at a CPS Caseworker III or higher.

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 supportive 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—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
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees