Statewide Intake Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Arlington, TX

2d • $3,410 - $5,094 • Remote

About The Position

The Statewide Intake Specialist answers calls to Protective Services Statewide Intake concerning suspected abuse or neglect of children and suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults age 65 and older or adults with disabilities. The specialist also reviews faxes, mail, and Internet information received by SWI, assesses reports to determine priority, allegation type, and handling, and refers reports to appropriate protective services staff or outside agencies. The role provides policy information and referrals to the public and interacts with DFPS staff, representatives of other organizations, and the general public.

This is a telework position that may be filled anywhere in Texas and requires reliable, high-speed internet; mobile hotspots, MiFi devices, and phone tethering are not acceptable as a primary connection. The position must support adequate 24-hour coverage, including holidays, and requires a flexible schedule as needed. The posting identifies a compressed weekend shift and travel of up to 5%. The role may be filled at the Protective Services Intake Specialist I through IV level. DFPS offers a certification program for employee development and potential additional compensation.

Requirements

• Meet the education and relevant-work-experience criteria for the applicable level: an accredited bachelor's degree; or an accredited associate's degree plus two years of relevant experience; or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant experience; or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant experience. Relevant experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
• For Specialist II, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria: have been employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist I for nine months and received Statewide Intake Specialist Certification, or currently be employed as Specialist II, or have previous experience as a Texas DFPS Specialist II.
• For Specialist III, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria: have been employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II for nine months and received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification, or currently be employed as Specialist III, or have previous experience as a Texas DFPS Specialist III.
• For Specialist IV, in addition to the listed education and experience criteria: have been employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III for 24 months and received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification, or currently be employed as Specialist IV, or have previous experience as a Texas DFPS Specialist IV.
• Knowledge of Texas laws concerning abuse and neglect of children and abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Knowledge of normal child development, the aging process, and family dynamics.
• Skill in interviewing and using a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to elicit information needed to determine the likelihood of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Ability to empathize with and encourage clients and their families.
• Ability to enter information into an automated system while speaking with callers by phone.
• Type at least 30 words per minute; a typing test is part of the interview process.
• Provide reliable, high-speed internet service for telework; mobile hotspots, MiFi devices, and phone tethering are not acceptable as the primary connection.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or a related field.
• Prior professional or volunteer experience in child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, or substance abuse services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care or experience conducting interviews or assessments with children and families.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking ability.

Responsibilities

• Assess the severity of circumstances according to department policies and procedures and assign a priority classification to reports.
• Assess intake reports to determine priority, allegation type, and handling.
• Obtain and document detailed information from callers and correspondence regarding alleged abuse or neglect of children and abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities.
• Provide policy information and other information and referral services to the public.
• Relay reports of abuse or neglect to appropriate protective services field staff or outside agencies.
• Document all Information and Referral calls and correspondence received.
• Assist the unit supervisor and staff with interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor’s absence.
• 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.

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, with additional savings options through 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
• Shift differentials for qualifying night and weekend shifts, subject to the stated conditions and maximum.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree