CPS Kinship Specialist IV

Job Description:

CPS KIN Specialist *****Open to DFPS Employees Only***** The position assists staff in identifying kinship placements for children in Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves developing supportive services for the families, 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. Funds may be used for day care tuition, tutoring, and assistance with limited exceptional services. The position tracks the provision and utilization of services available through community resources and state agencies for families providing foster care. The position assures 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, and case staffing. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services district 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 staffing with DFPS staff and attending. •Planning Team meetings as needed. • 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.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations. • Knowledge of resources and services available for children • Skill in leading others • Skill in organizing and managing time. • 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 to meet children’s needs. • Ability to clearly articulate placement issues and specific needs for children. • Ability to clearly document the specific needs and the services required to meet the child’s needs.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Child Protective Services Specialist I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Child Protective Services Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.