CPS PAL Specialist I- IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Houston, TX

10d • $4,263 - $6,779 • 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 serves as the Preparation for Adult Living coordinator and is responsible for providing coordination between program staff and contractors; identifying and developing resources for Preparation for Adult Living youth; providing follow-up services to emancipated youth; providing consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups and for monitoring Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinating contract management staff. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.

Requirements

• Applicants for positions which require, as part of the essential functions of the job, driving a motor vehicle, must have a reliable motor vehicle, an 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.
• 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 events & meetings after 5pm and on weekends.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis.
• 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.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
• State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
• As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The 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.
• DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides coordination for Preparation for Adult Living program implementation.
• Provides follow-up services to emancipated youth.
• Ensures children in care are receiving counseling and guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care.
• Coordinates and assists in planning statewide and regional teen conferences as well as Peaks.
• Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.
• Maintains sufficient case documentation including forms and narratives to provide a complete and accurate written record in assigned Preparation for Adult Living only cases for each youth receiving Preparation for Adult Living services.
• Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.
• Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, Department of Family and Protective Service staff and community.
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree