Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist

Date: Feb 22, 2025

Location:

WICHITA FALLS, TX

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.

Functional Title: Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist	Job Title: FBCE Specialist III
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc	Department: FAITH-BASED & COMMUNITY ENGMT
Posting Number: 2527	Closing Date: 07/25/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External	Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19	Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $4,196.34
Shift: Day	Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework:	Travel: Up to 30%
Regular/Temporary: Regular	Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt	Facility Location:
Job Location City: WICHITA FALLS	Job Location Address: [[custOfficeAdd]]

Other Locations: Wichita Falls; Graham; Vernon

MOS Codes:

No direct military equivalent. 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 military,

reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.

Brief Job Description The Faith-Based & Community Engagement Specialist performs complex consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves coordinating, developing, implementing, and analyzing specialized projects and programs. Increase the number of faith-based and community groups involved in Child Protective Services and Investigations (CPS/CPI) programs at the local, regional and state level. Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships between DFPS and local faith-based and community groups to ensure client needs are met and to support CPS and CPI goals and objectives. Provides consultation and assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, faith-based and community leaders, and the public. Develops and maintains collaborative intra-agency relationships. Manages local and/or regional volunteer and intern programs. Conducts a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements. Develops educational and training materials and programs. May train, mentor or supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions Develop and maintain partnerships with faith-based and community partners to ensure client needs are met and to support CPS and CPI goals and objectives. Identify and forecast service needs. Meet with individual faith and community leaders. Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings and work groups. Serve as the liaison to and collaborate with community and faith-based organizations, professional groups, and local public officials, provide technical assistance, training and policy guidance to agency staff and external stakeholders. Develops and maintains collaborative intra-agency relationships. (30%) Develops and manages local and/or regional volunteer and intern programs. Manages volunteer and intern opportunities in an on-line volunteer platform. Processes volunteer and intern applications and background checks. Matches agency needs with volunteer and intern skills. Monitors and evaluates volunteer and intern performance. (30%) Coordinates a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements. Coordinates the preparation of educational and training materials and programs that educate the community about the work of DFPS. Make presentations at faith-based events and community gatherings. Promote agency public awareness campaigns. (20%) Tracks any donations and/or contributions that are received or distributed. Ensures that contributions and donations are acknowledged in a proper manner. (10%) Prepares monthly and annual reports for the Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement. (5%) Attends internal staff meetings. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned. (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities Knowledge of community resources and services available for children, vulnerable adults and families. Skilled in dealing with the general public both virtually and in person. Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, faith-based and community organizations. Skilled in public speaking and developing presentations. Skilled in effective written and verbal communication. Skilled in the use of a computer and applicable software such as Microsoft suite. Ability to work with diverse populations including DFPS staff and leadership, media, community partners, faith communities and the general public. Ability to develop, coordinate, and promote volunteer programs. Ability to develop training. Ability to identify resources conducive to volunteer programs Ability to explain policies and procedures Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally. Ability to organize, plan and set priorities in a timely manner.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A Initial Screening Criteria: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Minimum of four years’ experience in community engagement, faith-based partnerships, volunteer management and/or Child Protective Services or Investigations work. Education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis. Additional Information: N/A

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.