CPS Kinship Worker I-IV
About The Position
The position assists staff in identifying kinship placements for children in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves referring families to supportive services, which include training, case management, family counseling, support groups, and information and referral services. The position coordinates these services and assists families in obtaining financial assistance offered by Department to help stabilize placements. The position works to identify community activities, services and resources designed to preserve, strengthen, and reunify families. The position assures that kinship caregivers are provided the opportunity to participate in the development of child plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. The position attends related CPS meetings, case staffing’s and court hearings. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Regional and State Office staff, and the community at large. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): Establishes a regional network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of community services and resources available to kinship caregivers, coordinates these services and resources for kinship caregivers to facilitate and maintain kinship placements for children in the conservatorship of DFPS. Develops and provides training to CPS staff and families on placement issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis. Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing families to meet the needs of children that have been abused and neglected, including individual case staffings with DFPS staff and attending Permanency Planning Team meetings and court hearings as required. Provides input to CPS staff on best practice philosophy in the area of kinship care. Identifies and collects necessary evaluative data and statistical information to measure outcomes concerning safety, permanency, and well- being for the involved children. Determines kinship families' eligibility for kinship financial benefits. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Requirements
- In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of community resources and services available for children
- Skill in organizing and managing time
- Skill in effective written and verbal communication to organize facilitate and maintain meetings
- Ability to work well with a variety of levels of staff inside and outside the agency in order to secure placements, resources, and services to meet children’s needs.
- Ability to clearly articulate and advocate placement issues and specific needs for children.
- Ability to concisely document specific needs and the services required to meet the children’s needs.
- Ability to work in the evenings and on the weekends.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Establishes a regional network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of community services and resources available to kinship caregivers, coordinates these services and resources for kinship caregivers to facilitate and maintain kinship placements for children in the conservatorship of DFPS.
- Develops and provides training to CPS staff and families on placement issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis.
- Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing families to meet the needs of children that have been abused and neglected, including individual case staffings with DFPS staff and attending Permanency Planning Team meetings and court hearings as required.
- Provides input to CPS staff on best practice philosophy in the area of kinship care.
- Identifies and collects necessary evaluative data and statistical information to measure outcomes concerning safety, permanency, and well- being for the involved children.
- Determines kinship families' eligibility for kinship financial benefits.
- Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
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, plus options to save even more with 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
