Current jobs related to Cps Kin Spec Iv - Humble - Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

CPS KIN Spec 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 staffing's 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**:
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 assesses kinship families continually, to determine the family's strengthens and needs; to include home visits. 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 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 staffing 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. The position requires flexibility and the ability to work evenings and on the weekends. Establishes self as an expert in the knowledge of community services available to kinship caregivers to strengthen, stabilize and maintain kinship placements for children in care; *Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing caregivers to meet the needs of the children, who have been abused and/or neglected, including individual case staffing or Permanency Planning Conference as needed.
- *Conducts home studies
- Complete Developmental Plans to address family's needs
- Conducts Kinship Safety Evaluations *Determines kinship families' eligibility for kinship financial benefits *Provides input to CPS staff on best practice in the area of kinship care. *Identifies and collects needed statistical information in order to evaluate safety, permanency, and well -being outcomes. *Provides other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Ability to conduct home visit in the evening and on weekends *Promotes and develop 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.

**Registration or Licensure Requirements**:
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
- 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