FAD Administrative Assistant

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.

Brief Job Description:

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 27 million citizens of Texas.

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which

forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying

monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many

products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement

annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement

System of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12

sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your

annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases. The position provides

administrative support to unit supervisor and staff. The position interacts routinely with Texas

Department of Family and Protective Services staff and the general public. To learn more

about the agency, please click here. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

         • Performs data entry into IMPACT and other electronic programs and systems. • Answers

and screens telephone inquiries; takes and routes messages and records intake information

for referral to caseworkers. • Prepares and maintains statistical reports, leave and personnel

records, case control systems, case records and related files for the unit. Functions as the

unit timekeeper and will process purchase orders as directed. • Types correspondence, forms

narratives, travel vouchers, meeting notes, performance evaluations, and other documents to

support work of the unit and files related documents. • Provides program and agency

information and/or makes referrals to other community resources. • Greets visitors, responds

to general questions, and directs callers to proper location. • 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: Computers

Skill in: Using Microsoft Suite or Windows

Skill in: Working in an office supporting several staff members

Ability to: Effectively handle multiple assignments in a dynamic environment. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent

One year full-time administrative support, general office, clerical, secretarial, or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience

Acceptable Substitutions: Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience.

Additional Information:

Administrative Assistants may be required to work together with DFPS caseworkers in providing supervision of children without placement (CWOP). Children can vary in age, but primarily the population that will be worked with is children that can range from 10 to 17 years of age. Responsibilities of the position include assisting the DFPS caseworker with monitoring children and ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include: safety, food, hygiene, education and entertainment/recreational activities. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule. If so, overtime compensation may be earned. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary for employees coming from other state agencies within Texas. 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

The starting salary for external applicants is $2,481.75. The starting salary for former agency employees and employees transferring directly from other Texas state agencies may exceed the range above; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed above the pay group for the position. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary for employees coming from other state agencies within Texas. 

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.