Substance Use Disorder Program 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.

Brief Job Description:

The position supports the development of policy, program and protocol and supports regional CPS direct delivery staff in services delivered to children and families who have child welfare issues related to substance use. The positions are housed in three different parts of the state and will work under the direction of CPS leadership and the Division Administrator for Behavioral Health Services to guide CPS practice in working with children and families with substance use issues throughout each stage of service.

The positions will consult with regional and state office management, regional caseworkers and field staff, CPS state office program and policy staff, external public and private stakeholders, consumers of child protective services, volunteers, advocates, judges, treatment providers, medical professionals, and other social service providers to provide program guidance relating to protocol, policy and practice regarding substance use and treatment. This position will facilitate training regarding issues related to substance use. This position will provide testimony in court as requested regarding substance use and drug testing.

The position will provide consultation and guidance regarding the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of projects and programs associated with substance use disorder treatment initiatives. The positions will share knowledge of and incorporate best practice models for working with families. Positions will facilitate strengthened communications with internal and external stakeholders, as well as providers of services for agency clients.

Essential Job Functions:   

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Identifies service needs, develops, and implements program initiatives. 15%
•  Researches and analyzes information from other agency divisions, other state agencies, community and advocacy groups, and other states for the purpose of program planning and development. 10 %
• Plans, develops, and revises policy and procedures. Prepares special project reports, studies, issue and position papers, and administrative reports. 10%
• Evaluates and interprets state and federal legislation and judicial mandates. 10%
• Serves as a subject matter expert and provides technical assistance, training, written guidelines, and interpretation of policies and procedures to both agency staff and external stakeholders. 25%
• Reviews and evaluates service delivery through input from field staff and review of management reports and special studies. 15%
•  Develops working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Evaluates national trends and stays abreast of current research. Networks with state and national governments, associations, and advocates to improve program operations. Makes presentations at meetings, trainings, and professional conferences. Plans, organizes, and conducts or facilitates internal and external meetings and work groups for ongoing program operations. 10%
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. 5% 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Not required, but preferred Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and/or Master’s Degree in Social Work or related health and human services degree, LMSW, or LCSW.

 Knowledge Skills Abilities:  

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the CPS program.
• Knowledge of substance use assessment, testing, treatment, and relapse prevention services in both private and public sectors in Texas.
• Specialized knowledge of CPS program and child welfare practice
• Skill in program planning, development and implementation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to approach problems critically and analytically
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.
•  Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings 

Initial Screening Criteria:  Graduation from high school or equivalent Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; Graduation from an accredited master's level program; Five years full-time child welfare experience such as consultative, project management, social service, professional or technical work which must include; analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience or related state agency experience, e.g., HHSC, DSHS, DADS, DARS. 

Additional Information: This position can be housed anywhere in Regions 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11.

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.