Human Services Technician

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Houston, TX

5d • $3,007 - $3,946 • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Services Technician assists agency staff and supervisors in providing services to families involved in Child Protective Services cases. The role includes transporting clients to appointments, supervising parent-child visits, documenting client contacts and services, maintaining appointment calendars, and performing clerical support. The position regularly interacts with DFPS staff, representatives of other organizations, and the public.

The job is based in Houston and is not eligible for telework. It requires frequent travel to homes and offices, including travel outside the assigned region and occasional overnight trips. Travel may be last-minute and is expected to take up to 75% of work time. The technician may also assist caseworkers in supervising children without placement, primarily ages 10 to 17, and help ensure their safety and needs are met, including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities. This may require work outside the normal schedule, with overtime compensation potentially available.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of full-time experience in social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or FPS work. Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Services and community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, follow instructions, work effectively with others, and supervise children of various ages.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, several software packages, and basic office equipment, and to work in an office supporting several staff members.
• A reliable personal 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. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently, including outside the assigned region, sometimes on short notice, and occasionally overnight.

Responsibilities

• Transport clients to and from appointments as requested by caseworkers or the Unit Supervisor.
• Observe and supervise visits between parents and children.
• Complete forms and document client contacts, including data entry in IMPACT and other agency systems.
• Maintain paper and/or electronic appointment calendars for scheduling requests from caseworkers and the supervisor.
• Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, faxing, copying, and answering or receiving telephone inquiries.
• Assist caseworkers with supervising children without placement and monitoring their safety and needs, including food, hygiene, education, and recreation.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance for the employee and partial payment for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, with options to contribute to 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED