Faith-Based Community Engagement Specialist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

12d • 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 Faith-Based & Community Engagement Specialist supporting Adult Protective Services (APS) performs complex consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves coordinating, developing, implementing, and analyzing specialized projects and programs. Increase the number of faith-based and community groups involved in APS programs at the local, district and state level. Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships between DFPS and local faith-based and community groups to ensure client needs are met and to support APS goals and objectives. Provides consultation and assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, faith-based and community leaders, and the public. Develops and maintains collaborative intra-agency relationships. Manages local and/or district volunteer and intern programs. Conducts a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements. Develops educational and training materials and programs. May train, mentor or supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Requirements

• Knowledge of community resources and services available for vulnerable adults and families.
• Knowledge of Adult Protective Services program, policies and procedures.
• Skilled in dealing with the general public both virtually and in person.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, faith-based and community organizations.
• Skilled in public speaking and developing presentations.
• Skilled in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skilled in the use of a computer and applicable software such as Microsoft suite.
• Ability to work with diverse populations including DFPS staff and leadership, media, community partners, faith communities and the general public.
• Ability to develop, coordinate, and promote volunteer programs.
• Ability to develop training.
• Ability to identify resources conducive to volunteer programs
• Ability to explain policies and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to organize, plan and set priorities in a timely manner.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of four years’ experience in community engagement, faith-based partnerships, volunteer management and/or Adult Protective Services work. Education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain partnerships with faith-based and community partners to ensure client needs are met and to support APS goals and objectives.
• Identify and forecast service needs.
• Meet with individual faith and community leaders.
• Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings and work groups.
• Serve as the liaison to and collaborate with community and faith-based organizations, professional groups, and local public officials, provide technical assistance, training and policy guidance to agency staff and external stakeholders.
• Develops and maintains collaborative intra-agency relationships.
• Develops and manages local and/or district volunteer and intern programs.
• Manages volunteer and intern opportunities in an on-line volunteer platform.
• Processes volunteer and intern applications and background checks.
• Matches agency needs with volunteer and intern skills.
• Monitors and evaluates volunteer and intern performance.
• Coordinates a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements.
• Coordinates the preparation of educational and training materials and programs that educate the community about the work of DFPS and Adult Protective Services in particular.
• Make presentations at faith-based events and community gatherings.
• Promote APS and agency public awareness campaigns.
• Tracks any donations and/or contributions that are received or distributed.
• Ensures that contributions and donations are acknowledged in a proper manner.
• Prepares monthly and annual reports for the Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement.
• Attends internal staff meetings.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.

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: 1,001-5,000 employees