Statewide Intake Specialist - Bilingual

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

12d • Remote

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 OFFERS TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIES AND CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.The position answers calls placed to Protective Services Statewide Intake (SWI) for reporting abuse/neglect of children; and abuse, neglect, or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities. In addition to answering calls, the position reviews faxes, mail and Internet information received by SWI. The position assesses intakes for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling. The position must be able to provide adequate 24-hour coverage, including holidays and must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.A Statewide Intake Specialist- <a href="https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/JobDescriptions/R5030.pdf" target=_blank>SAO SWI Intake Specialist</a>. WHY WORK FOR DFPS? The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/mission.asp" target=_blank>Mission, Vision, & Values</a> in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the <a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service" target=_blank>Service Loan Forgiveness Program</a>, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Health-Benefits" target=_blank>excellent health benefits</a>, special discounts on many products and services through the <a href="http://www.beneplace.com/home.jsp?Client_UserId=7195457"  target=_blank>Discount Purchase Program</a>, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Retirement" target=_blank>Employees Retirement System</a> of Texas.  An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year.  Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.   HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE: To explore more of what Statewide Intake Specialists do, click <a href="https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Jobs/SWI/swi_specialist.asp" target=_blank>here</a>. For a realistic job preview for this position and about the agency, please click <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/default.asp" target=_blank>here</a>. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Texas laws relating to abuse/neglect of children and abuse/neglect/exploitation of elderly and disabled adults.
• Knowledge of normal child development, the aging process, and family dynamics.
• Skill in interviewing, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to elicit information relative to the determination of the likelihood of abuse/neglect/exploitation.
• Ability to empathize with and provide encouragement to clients and their families.
• Ability to type information into an automated system while conversing with callers over the phone.
• Statewide Intake Specialist I: • Protective Services Intake Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
• Statewide Intake Specialist II: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Statewide Intake Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Statewide Intake Specialist III: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II for 9 months AND received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Statewide Intake Specialist IV: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Bilingual Spanish / English proficiency required.
• Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute: A typing test will be given as part of the interview process.

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of eight years Statewide Intake Specialist experience

Responsibilities

• Assesses severity of the circumstances according to department policies and procedures and assigns a priority classification to all reports.
• Assesses intake reports for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling.
• Provides assistance to unit supervisor and unit staff in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor’s absence.
• Obtains and documents detailed information from callers and correspondence concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of children and abuse, neglect or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities.
• Provides policy information to the public and other information and referral services.
• Relays reports of abuse or neglect to appropriate protective services field staff or outside agency.
• Documents all Information & Referral calls and correspondence received.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• 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
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees