CPS Developmental Disability Specialist

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.

Functional Title: CPS Developmental Disability Specialist 
Job Title: CPS Developm Disab Spec V 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Region 6A CPS Dir Del-CD CAPTA 
Posting Number: 7381 
Closing Date: 08/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 50% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: HOUSTON 
Job Location Address: 2525 MURWORTH 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 31D, 35L, 35M, 68X, 73A, 311A, 351L, 351M, HM, IS, NC, 183X, 230X, 683X, 783X, IV, MST, INV, ISS 
OAP12, 0149, 5821, 5822, 5832, 1N0X1, 4C0X1, 4E0X1, 14NX, 42SX, 43HX, 71SX, 0868, 66C, 47L, 66R 
67D, L24A, 001387 
 

Brief Job Description:

This position coordinates intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) services and resources for children with these special needs in Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, Permanency Conference facilitators, foster parents, regional and state office staff, other agency staff and residential providers. This position carries secondary assignments of children in conservatorship with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is responsible for helping staff locate placement options for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency and leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provide consultation to DFPS staff regarding cases by providing information and referral services regarding intellectual and developmental disability resources to appropriately meet the individual needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Establishes a network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of intellectual and developmental disability services and resources, coordinating services between DFPS staff and these resources on behalf of DFPS children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Develops and provides training to CPS staff and foster parents regarding intellectual and developmental disability issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis.

Assists other CPS staff in identifying and contacting existing specialized placement resources for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and developing potential new placement resources for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the conservatorship of DFPS.

Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying specific needs and services to meet those needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities including individual case staffing with CPS staff and attending Permanency Conferences and Circle of Support meetings as needed.

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 and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disability programs, resources and services available for children.

Knowledge of various conditions and special needs experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities

Knowledge of various specialized placement options for children with intellectual and development disability needs

Knowledge of case planning processes for meeting the needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities

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 for the children with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Ability to clearly document the specific needs and the services required to meet the child's needs

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to drive
• Sitting, operating a computer 
• Requires after hours and weekend as needed to accommodate the needs of children assigned to caseload.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Experience working with children and families. Experience working with community and service agencies.

Preferred: Experience with Medicaid waiver community based programs. Experience with child Protective Services.

Additional Information:

N/A

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.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

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.