Family Group Conference Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Amarillo, TX

44d • 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 works under the direct supervision of the Family Group Decision Making Supervisor and functions as the coordinator and/or facilitator of Family Group Decision Making, including Family Team Meetings (FTMs) and Initial Coordination Meetings(ICMs) in Region 01 Children Protective Investigations. Work involves coordinating the receipt of referrals, orientation, and preparation of family members, connecting with community resources and setting up the conferences. Work also involves facilitating conferences and collaborating with family and stakeholder participants to determine an appropriate action plan. The position tracks the provision and utilization of services available through local community resources and state agencies for families participating in family conferences. The Specialist ensures families are provided the opportunity to participate in crafting family plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. Responsibilities include the development of training and orientation materials for participants and coordinating with local community members to secure desired services. As needed and required, the Specialist coordinates & facilitates FTMS, ICMS and FGDM Committee meetings, work-related meetings, and case staffings. Additional duties include the identification and collection of necessary evaluative data, statistical reports as requested, budget management, and conference site coordination. The position collaborates with CPI regional staff, internal/external stakeholders, and administration to create a process that encourages the identification of family strengths to resolve family issues and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for the involved children. Other job duties may be determined as needed. After Hours facilitating FTMs when needed The position interacts routinely with Family and Protective Services staff, attorneys, and the general public.

Requirements

• Knowledge of CPI program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.
• Skill in leading others and developing work teams.
• Skill in solving problems.
• Skill in organizing and managing time.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels and with community groups.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prioritize task and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, and on-call per regional designation.
• Ability to attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Required Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of CPS/CPI field experience as full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, social service, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or PRS experience.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary communicator to the family regarding the concerns for child safety and reason for CPS/CPI involvement.
• Serves as the lead in the preparation and coordination of family participation in the process, and assures all proceedings occur in a manner that maintains the strength and integrity of the family group
• Serves as the meeting facilitator to lead participants (family members, CPI and stakeholders) in creating an appropriate action plan, utilizing mediation and facilitation skills.
• Ensures the plan developed by the family addresses the areas of child safety, permanency, and well-being through the identification of services provided through available family resources and community services.
• Reports the details of the developed plan to all participants.
• Works with the Family Group Decision Making Supervisor and other Family Services Specialists, and local advisory/steering committees in the development of services to respond to family needs that reduce family violence and increase family well-being.
• Assists the FGDM Supervisor in the preparation of administrative reports, the collection of regional data associated with the FGDM practice to monitor performance outcomes and effectiveness.
• Assists in the review and evaluation of community services to identify issues and trends resulting from the family's use of those services.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain FGDM operations.

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
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees