CPS Kinship Worker

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Waco, TX

3d • 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.

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.

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.
• Child Protective Services Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
• Child Protective Services Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services 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.
• Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

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—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