Human Services Technician
About The Position
The Human Services Technician serves as an assistant to agency staff and supervisors in providing services to families involved in Child Protective Services (CPS) cases. The role includes transporting clients, documenting services and client contacts, supervising parent-child visits, scheduling appointments, and performing clerical duties. The position regularly interacts with DFPS staff, representatives of other organizations, and the public. The position may also assist caseworkers with supervision of children without placement, primarily children ages 10 to 17, while they are at an office or community location. This includes monitoring their safety and ensuring their food, hygiene, education, and recreational needs are met. The position requires frequent travel to homes and offices, including travel outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel. Work outside the normal schedule may be required, with overtime compensation potentially available. The role is based in Houston, Texas, and requires use of the employee’s personal motor vehicle. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, an acceptable five-year driving record, 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. Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if 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. 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, and work effectively with others.
- Ability to supervise children of various ages effectively.
- Ability to operate a personal computer, software packages, and basic office equipment.
- Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members.
- 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 must be provided.
- Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including outside assigned counties, sometimes with little notice, and to make occasional overnight trips.
- Ability to work outside the normal schedule when required.
- Selected applicants 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 documentation concerning client contacts, including data entry into IMPACT and other agency systems.
- Maintain an outgoing paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by caseworkers or the supervisor.
- Perform clerical duties, including typing, filing, faxing, copying, and answering or receiving telephone inquiries.
- Perform other duties as assigned and required 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 monitoring children without placement and ensuring their safety and needs are met, including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities.
- Travel frequently to homes and offices, including locations outside the assigned region and occasional overnight travel.
Benefits
- 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage 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 on 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
