Human Services Technician

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Big Spring, TX

2d • 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.

This position functions as an assistant to agency staff and supervisors in providing human services families involved in Child Protective Investigations (CPI) cases, including transportation and documentation of services provided. It also includes supervising visitations between parents and children and providing various clerical functions. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.To learn more DFPS, please click
here.

Human Service Technicians may be required to work together with DFPS caseworkers in providing supervision of children without placement (CWOP). Children can vary in age, but primarily the population that will be worked with is children that can range from 10 to 17 years of age. Responsibilities of the position include assisting the DFPS caseworker with monitoring children and ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include: safety, food, hygiene, education and entertainment/recreational activities. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule. If so, overtime compensation may be earned.
Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary for employees coming from other state agencies within Texas.
This role requires frequent travel to homes and offices both within and outside your assigned region. Reliable transportation and a strong willingness to travel are essential, as you can expect to be on the road about 75% of the time. While much of your travel will be local, there will be instances—including last-minute situations—where you’ll need to go outside your assigned counties, sometimes with little notice. Some overnight travel is also required as cases demand. Flexibility is critical, as our mission to protect the most vulnerable means you must be ready to serve clients wherever and whenever you are needed.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• One-year full-time social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or FPS experience.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Investigations
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to get work effectively with others.
• Ability to effectively supervise children of various ages.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, several software packages, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members.
• Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and 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. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.

Nice To Haves

• Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Provides transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by caseworkers and/or Unit Supervisor.
• Observes and/or supervises parent and child visits.
• Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into IMPACT and other agency systems.
• Maintain out-going paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by caseworkers/supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties such as typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, etc.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED