FGC Spec I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Midland, TX

7d • $4,523 - $7,254 • Onsite

About The Position

This position works under the direct supervision of the Unit Supervisor and functions as a Family Group Conferencing Coordinator/Facilitator covering Region 09. Work involves intense coordination and skilled facilitation of family meetings in Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) and (CVS). FGDM is NOT a remote program. This is Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm in-office position requiring some work after hours. Work involves coordinating and managing the receipt of referrals, orientation and preparation of participants, connecting with community resources and setting up the conferences. Work also involves facilitating and co-facilitating conferences and collaborating with family and stakeholders in order to determine an appropriate and mutually acceptable 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/developing family plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues through the FGDM process. Responsibilities also include presentations, the development of training and orientation materials for participants and coordinating with local community members in order to secure desired services. As needed and required, the Specialist coordinates and facilitates COS, FTM, FGC, Kinship Finding Services and Re-Conferences. Additional duties include the identification and collection of necessary evaluative data, statistical reports as requested, and conference site coordination. The Specialist collaborates with CPS and 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 children involved. The Specialist interacts routinely with Family and Protective Services Staff, Attorneys, the Court, and the general public.

Requirements

• In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.
• Skill in leading others.
• Skills in facilitating groups, identifying group dynamics, and working collaboratively with others.
• Skill in solving problems and mediation.
• 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 develop work teams.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with volunteers, individuals and groups from diverse populations.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and to protect the privacy and identities of CPS families.
• Ability to maintain a neutral, non-judgmental stance.
• Must hold a current, valid Driver’s License.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Four years of full-time consultative, supervisor, management, social service, professional or technical work which must include experience working with individuals or groups in a social service setting, analysis of work problems and interpretation of written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a range of demands are involved, including interpretation of written material and DFPS experience.

Nice To Haves

• Previous DFPS Conservatorship preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the meeting facilitator to lead participants (family members, CPS, CPI, Community Base Care Provider, attorneys, 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.
• Accurately documents and reports the details of the developed plan and distributes to all participants within the allowed timeframes.
• Maintains group dynamics, encourages family participation, and a positive attitude throughout the meeting.
• 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.
• Also, serve as a communicator to assist the family in understanding the concerns for child safety and reason for CPS involvement.
• Models advocacy and mediation strategies for both CPS clients and CPS staff.
• Works with the CPS, CPI, Subject Matter Experts, 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 Program in the preparation of administrative reports, the collection of regional data associated with the FGDM practice to monitor performance outcomes and effectiveness.
• Provides consultation, training and education to DFPS staff and external entities to coordinate, improve and strengthen the FGDM program.
• Has a working knowledge of community resources.
• Develops and maintains a working relationship with internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain FGDM operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Has reliable means of personal transportation.

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
• 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