Foster Care Eligibility 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 Foster Care/Adoption Assistance Eligibility Specialist position is responsible for determining and certifying eligibility for foster care, Medical Assistance Only and Adoption Assistance in the Child Protective Services program. The position uses application forms and interprets policy to determine client's eligibility for IV-E, state paid or Medical Assistance Only foster care assistance as well as Adoption Assistance. This position provides assistance to clients and staff in the resolution of payment and Medicaid issues. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services employees, SSCC employees, Medicaid providers, foster parents, and Office of Attorney General employees.   

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Determines eligibility on initial applications and re-determines eligibility and/or re-certifications on subsequent applications and reviews.
• Provides assistance to clients and staff in resolving payment issues. Reviews ALOC/BLOC.
• Researches, documents and provides assistance to foster parents, adoptive parents, staff and providers to resolve Medicaid issues.
• Researches, documents, and updates court ordered child support information for children in the Title IV-E program or state paid foster care.
• Prepares and maintains eligibility and adoption assistance files.
• Prepares training material for instructing service delivery workers or other agency staff in eligibility requirements.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.  
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of and experience working on IMPACT.
• Knowledge and experience working with TANF or Medicaid.
• Good communication skills and computer skills.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two years full-time social service, human services work, eligibility determination, or PRS experience.
• Acceptable Substitutions: Sixty semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required experience.   

Additional Information:

• Knowledge and experience in CPS Program and IMPACT preferred.  
• This position can be housed anywhere in Region 2.

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.