CPS KIN Spec IV

Job Description

CPS KIN Spec I, II, III, IV

The position assists staff in identifying kinship

placements for children in Texas Department of Family & Protective Services

(DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves developing supportive services for the

families, which could include training, case management, family counseling,

support groups, and information and referral services. The position coordinates

these services and assists families in obtaining financial assistance offered by

DFPS to help stabilize placements. Funds may be used for day care tuition,

tutoring, and assistance with limited exceptional services. The position tracks the

provision and utilization of services available through community resources and

state agencies for families providing foster care. The position assures caregivers

are provided the opportunity to participate in the development of child plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. The position attends

related CPS meetings, and case staffing. The position interacts routinely with

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services district and state office staff,

and the community at large. This position may be filled at any level from a CPS

Specialist I to CPS Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be

considered when establishing the starting salary.

Essential Job Functions

Establishes a regional network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of community services and resources available to kinship caregivers, coordinates these services and resources for kinship caregivers to facilitate and maintain kinship placements for children in the conservatorship of DFPS.

• Develops and provides training to CPS staff and families on placement issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis.
• Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing families to meet the needs of children that have been abused and neglected, including individual case staffing with DFPS staff and attending Permanency Planning Team meetings as needed.
• Provides input to CPS staff on best practice philosophy in the area of kinship care.
• Identifies and collects necessary evaluative data and statistical information to measure outcomes concerning safety, permanency, and well being for the involved children.
• 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.
  
  

Knowledge Skills Abilities

In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of resources and services available for children
• Skill in leading others
• Skill in organizing and managing time.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work well with a variety of levels of staff inside and outside the agency in order to secure appropriate placements, resources, and services to meet children’s needs.
• Ability to clearly articulate placement issues and specific needs for children.
• Ability to clearly document the specific needs and the services required to meet the child’s needs.
  
  

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

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.

Initial Selection Criteria

Child Protective Services 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. Child Protective Services Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

• Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Specialist for 18 months AND have received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Three and one-half years cumulative Child Protective Specialist experience AND currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist III AND have received Child Protective Specialist Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist IV in received Child Protective Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
  
  

Additional Information

This position may be filled at any level from a CPS Specialist I to CPS Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary.

MOS Code

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk here.

As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.