Statewide Intake Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

28d • Remote

About The Position

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 Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. 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 DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

Requirements

• 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: 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. 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: 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. 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: 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. 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or 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 speakers are preferred.

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

• excellent health benefits
• special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
• longevity pay
• generous paid leave
• access to the Wellness program
• lifetime retirement annuity
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees