CPS KIN Spec IV

Job Description:
CPS Kinship Spec I - V

The position assists staff in identifying kinship placements for children in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves referring families to supportive services, 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. The position works to identify community activities, services and resources designed to preserve, strengthen, and reunify families. The position assures that kinship caregivers and foster parents 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, case staffings and court hearings. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regional and state office staff, and the community at large. 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 staffings with DFPS staff and attending Permanency Planning Team meetings and court hearings as required.

• 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 community resources and services available for children
*Skill in leading others
*Skill in organizing and managing time
*Skill in effective written and verbal communication to organize facilitate and maintain meetings
*Ability to work well with a variety of levels of staff inside and outside the agency in order to secure placements, resources, and services to meet children’s needs.
*Ability to clearly articulate and advocate placement issues and specific needs for children.
*Ability to concisely document specific needs and the services required to meet the children’s needs.
*Ability to work in the evenings and on the weekends.

---