CPS Well Being Specialist, Region 3 East

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

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.

The Well Being Specialist covers DFPS Region 3 East. The position is currently a permanent telework, however applicants must and must reside in or close to Region 3 East. In person meetings may be required based on business need. The CPS Well Being Specialist reports to the Well Being Specialist Manager and is a member of the Medical Services Division.
The position is responsible for medical and behavioral health services issues for children in DFPS conservatorship. Work involves using his or her knowledge of laws, rules and policy regarding the achievement of Child and Family Service Review (CFSR) well-being outcomes.
This position provides consultation to agency program staff, other governmental agencies, community organizations and the general public associated with medical and behavioral health services issues. Specifically, the position serves as the primary link between the Managed Care Organization’s (MCO) interagency liaison and DFPS regional staff for awareness of service needs and issues related to the provision of medical and behavioral health services to foster children. Work involves collaboration and consultation with the MCO liaison to troubleshoot complex cases, analyze process effectiveness, and recommend solutions.
The position may involve training of and technical assistance to regional staff as well as provide interpretation of policy to DFPS staff and external stakeholders. The position interacts routinely with DFPS regional and state office staff, other DFPS and MCO liaisons, and other state agencies. The position interfaces with external stakeholders, community organizations and judicial systems that traditionally interface with CPS.  

Essential Job Functions:
1. Serves as the primary liaison between the DFPS regional staff and the Managed Care interagency liaison for the awareness of service needs, issues, and problems.
2. Serves as the subject matter expert for the foster care medical and behavioral health care contract and services.
3. Analyzes Texas CFSR data, identifies gaps and barriers, and makes recommendations for best practices within the CPS program and solutions to MCO to improve child well-being outcomes.
4. Plans, organizes and conducts or facilitates internal and external meetings and work groups for ongoing program operations.
5. Identify and recommend training and communication needs. Makes public presentations as needed to CPS staff, kinship caregivers, and other appropriate DFPS stakeholders.
6. Monitors and coordinates regional practices to ensure that data entry occurs on a timely basis.
7. Works with MCO liaison to troubleshoot complex cases and escalate issues and concerns within DFPS and to the MCO.
8. Provides technical assistance, written guidelines, and interpretation of policies and procedures to agency staff, the MCO, and external stakeholders.
9. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
10. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
11. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the achievement of well-being outcomes (physical and mental health) for children involved in the Texas child welfare system.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally. Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings.

Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly. 

Registration or Licensure Requirements: None 

Initial Selection Criteria:

Minimum qualifications section will include education and experience. • Graduation from high school or equivalent. • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. • Four years full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, social service, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or DFPS experience.  Acceptable Substitutions: • One additional year full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, social service, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or DFPS experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, with a maximum substitution of four years. • Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years.

Additional Information: 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by 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. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.