Human Services Technician

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

3d • $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 position transports clients to appointments, supervises parent-child visits, documents client contacts and services, maintains an appointment calendar, and performs clerical support. It interacts with DFPS staff, representatives of other organizations, and the public.

The role may also support caseworkers supervising children without placement, primarily ages 10 to 17, by monitoring them and helping ensure their safety and needs for food, hygiene, education, and recreation are met. The work requires frequent travel to homes and offices, including outside the assigned region, and some overnight travel. Last-minute travel and work outside the normal schedule may be required; overtime compensation may be earned when applicable. The position is based in Austin, Texas, is not eligible for telework, and is classified as regular, full-time, and nonexempt.

Requirements

• High school graduation 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, several software packages, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members.
• Reliable personal motor vehicle, acceptable driving record for the past five years, and 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.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Must comply with applicable cybersecurity and communications-system policies and complete related training.
• Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible content.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel frequently, including outside the assigned counties and sometimes 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 into IMPACT and other agency systems.
• Maintain an outgoing paper or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests from caseworkers and supervisors.
• Perform clerical and unit-support duties, including typing, filing, faxing, copying, and answering or receiving telephone inquiries.
• 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 supervising children without placement and monitoring their safety and needs, including food, hygiene, education, and recreational activities.
• Travel to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight and last-minute 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 plan options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than many 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.

What This Job Offers

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