Human Services Technician
About The Position
The Human Services Technician works as an assistant to agency staff and supervisors serving families involved in Child Protective Investigations (CPI) cases. The role includes transporting clients, supervising parent-child visits, documenting services and client contacts, scheduling appointments, and providing clerical support. The position routinely interacts with DFPS staff, representatives of other organizations, and the general public. The technician may also assist DFPS caseworkers in supervising children without placement, primarily children ages 10 to 17, and help ensure their safety and needs—including food, hygiene, education, and recreation—are met while they are at an office or community location. The position is based in Austin, is not eligible for telework, and requires substantial travel to homes and offices, including travel outside assigned counties and occasional overnight travel. Work outside the normal schedule may be required; overtime compensation may be earned. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of qualifying experience, with 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university accepted as a substitution for the experience criterion. A reliable personal vehicle, an acceptable five-year driving record, a current valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and proof of driving record, insurance, and license are required. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, when applicable, a driver's record check.
Requirements
- Graduation from high school or equivalent.
- One year of full-time social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or FPS experience; 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
- Knowledge of Child Protective Investigations 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.
- Use of a personal motor vehicle to perform job functions; applicants must have reliable transportation, 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 must be provided.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently, including outside assigned counties and occasionally overnight, and to accommodate travel with little notice.
- Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
Responsibilities
- Transport clients to and from appointments as requested by caseworkers or the Unit Supervisor.
- Observe and/or supervise visits between parents and children.
- Complete forms and document client contacts, including data entry into IMPACT and other agency systems.
- Maintain an outgoing paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests from caseworkers and supervisors.
- Perform clerical duties, including typing, filing, faxing, copying, and answering or receiving telephone inquiries.
- Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
- Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and work-related contacts.
- Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
- Assist caseworkers with supervision of children without placement and help ensure children’s safety and needs are met, including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities.
Benefits
- 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
- Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
- Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
- Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
- Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
