CPI FGDM FGC Specialist I

Job Description:
CPS FGC Spec I
The position works under the direct supervision of the Family Group Decision Making Specialist II and functions as the coordinator and/or facilitator of one or more models of Family Group Decision Making within CPI, Family Team Meetings (FTM) and Kinship Finder Session (KFS) in the Harris County 6A region Children Protective Investigations.  Work involves supporting families and CPI staff by coordinating the receipt of referrals, staffing potential meetings, orientation and preparation of family members, connecting with community resources and setting up family conferences. Work also involves facilitating conferences and collaborating with family and stakeholders to determine an appropriate action plan. The position tracks the provision and utilization of services available through local community resources and state agencies for families participating in family conferences. The Family Conference Specialist assures families are provided the opportunity to craft family plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. Responsibilities include the development of training and orientation materials for participants and coordinating with local community members in order to secure the desired services. The position attends family conferences, FGDM Steering Committee meetings, related CPS/CPI meetings, and case staffings. Additional duties include the identification and collection of necessary evaluative data, statistical reports as requested, budgetary management, and conference site coordination. The position collaborates with CPS/CPI regional staff and administration to create a process that encourages the identification of family strengths to resolve family issues and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for the involved children. The position interacts routinely with Family and Protective Services staff and the public.  This position works on call working some weekday evenings and weekends when FGDM Meetings are needed. Other job duties may be determined as needed. This position is housed in Harris County (Bissonnet CPS Office).  After Hours facilitating FTMs when needed, and On call Rotation within the Unit.

Essential Job Functions:
In conjunction with the regional Family Group Decision Making Specialist, creates protocols for the development of Family Group Decision-Making within the targeted community, including the decision-making about the acceptance of a referral to the project, the preparation of family members, and the appropriateness of the resulting family plan.

• Serves as the lead in coordinating family participation and local community support for the family group decision making process and the families involved. Works with the regional Family Group Decision Making Specialist, and the local advisory/steering committee in stimulating the development of services to respond to family needs that reduce family violence and increase family well-being. Assists in the review and evaluation of community services to identify issues and trends resulting from the family’s use of those services. Makes recommendations for improvements in services provided and in the family group decision making process to regional management and the advisory/steering committee.

• Serves as the primary communicator to the family regarding the concerns for child safety and reason for CPS involvement. Also serves as the lead in the preparation and coordination of family participation in the process, and assures all proceedings occur in a manner that maintains the strength and integrity of the family group.

• Serves as the meeting facilitator to lead participants (family members and stakeholders) in creating an appropriate action plan, utilizing mediation and facilitation skills. Ensures the plan developed by the family addresses the areas of child safety, permanency, and well-being through the identification of services provided through available family resources and community services. Reports the details of the developed plan to the CPS caseworker.

• Assists the regional FGDM Specialist in the preparation of administrative reports, and the collection of regional data in order to monitor performance outcomes and effectiveness of the FGDM project.

• 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 CPI/CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.
• Skill in facilitating groups.
• Skill in leading others.
• Skill in solving problems.
• Skill in organization and managing time.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels and with community groups.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to develop work teams.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with volunteers, individuals and groups from diverse populations.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

• Five years of CPS field experience as 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 PRS experience

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years

Additional Information:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.