CPS Centralized Placement Coordinator

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.

Job Description:

CPS CPU Coord Spec V

***OPENED ONLY TO DFPS EMPLOYEES***

The position requires specialized knowledge in the placement of children into emergency shelters, no-pay providers, basic childcare institutions, and basic, therapeutic and habilitative Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and private child placing agency foster and foster group homes. Work involves coordinating placement activities within the region for all children who have basic, moderate, specialized and intense needs and are in the DFPS conservatorship. The position assesses the array of foster care placement resources within and outside the region, manages all placements of DFPS children into these placement resources, and maintains data for the development of additional placement resources in order to meet the needs of children. The position will receive guidance and direction from the state office placement team for statewide consistency in placement practices. The position interacts routinely with contracted residential providers; DFPS state office staff, district administrative and casework staff.  

Essential Job Functions:

Obtains appropriate placements for children at all levels of needs who are in the conservatorship of DFPS.
•Develops policies and procedures and collaborates with state office program specialists to develop program policies for foster care placements, in consultation with other CPS state office program specialists as needed.
•Participates in data tracking and collection to assist in measuring outcomes with quality services for DFPS children.
•Identifies placement needs and coordinates the development of placement resources for children in the conservatorship of DFPS.
•Functions as a liaison from the district with other agencies that have placement resources for the children in the conservatorship of DFPS.
•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:

·Knowledge of regional and statewide foster care placement resources, including Emergency shelters, basic child care institutions, Private and DFPS foster homes, habilitative and therapeutic foster homes, and foster group home placements
·Knowledge of state and federal legislation governing child placement practice, policies and procedures
·Knowledge of the Minimum and Consolidated Licensing Standards for various types of placement resources
·Knowledge of contractual requirements for the various types of placement resources
·Knowledge of the processes for placing children with varying levels of needs
·Skill in working effectively with various levels of staff and representatives from various organizations, including contracted child care providers
·Ability to work on call during other than normal duty hours
·Ability to serve on agency committees and workgroups
·Ability to travel.
·Ability to operate a personal computer.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None required  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. 4 years Child Placement or DFPS Experience  

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.