SWI Screener (Weekend)

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.

Statewide Intake Screeners perform advanced consultative child protective services work for both Child Protective Investigations(CPI) and Residential Childcare Investigations(RCCI).  Screeners provide minimal preliminary investigation actions to identify the need for intervention and the type of intervention warranted. Screeners provide appropriate case decisions regarding intake prioritization and assignment for investigations based on agency policy, guidelines, and child safety issues. 

Screeners provide input and guidance to investigation staff on case decisions as needed. Decisions are based on policy, statutory definitions, foster care litigation standards, and quality social work practice. CPI screeners review a subset of Priority II cases, and all Priority N cases as initially assigned by statewide intake specialists.  RCCI screeners review all Priority I & II intakes as initially assigned by statewide intake specialists.  Hybrid Screeners will review and screen cases for both CPI and RCCI.

Screeners will consult with their immediate supervisors for guidance on marginal cases or cases requiring special consideration. Screeners maintain and manage a large, fluid workload of intakes which must remain in compliance with agency time frames and guidelines for response.

Screeners will assist in special projects and other duties as assigned.         

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Reviews CPI & RCI intakes to ensure consistent and appropriate application of policy and procedure and optimal service level to cover intakes assigned.
• Reviews CPI & RCI intakes to ensure content is sufficient to assess location, child safety, and degree of harm, and establish priorities and case handling.
• Reviews & assess severity of the circumstances according to department policies for determination of priority, allegation type and handling.
• Reviews and documents all case related history, reviews and documents criminal history, TIERS and CLASS.
• Obtains and enters data detailed in collateral contacts concerning the alleged abuse/neglect of children.
• Provides policy information to the public as well as other information and referral services.
• Relays reports of abuse neglect (intakes) to appropriate CPI & CPS field staff, SSCC or other outside agencies.
• Maintains accurate records of all work performed or as required by management.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the Texas Family Code & Texas Administrative Code as related to child abuse/neglect.
• Knowledge of IMPACT data system for DFPS
• Knowledge of TIERS and CLASS
• Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics.
• Skill in applying social work principles.
• Skill in applying and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to organize workload.
• Ability to offer sound advice/instructions concerning clients’ needs and safety.
• Ability to work in highly emotional situations.
• Skill in computer operations to perform duties.
• Ability to elicit information relative to the determination of the likelihood of abuse/neglect/exploitation of children.
• Ability to empathize with and provide encouragement to clients and their families.
• Ability to enter data into the system while gathering information on the phone.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Currently employed with DFPS as an investigation specialist with at least five years of Child Protective Investigations experience within the last eight years; a four-year college degree.

Additional Information:

***The schedule for this position is Thursday-Sunday or Friday-Monday. This schedule may vary depending on business need and is subject to change.***

This position can be housed at any DFPS building and may be eligible to telework. Screeners are also expected to rotate holidays and work some weekends. CPI stipend is excluded for this position.

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.