Social Worker

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Under the direct supervision of Program Supervisor and overall Direction of the Program Manager, the Social Worker II performs highly advanced (senior-level) social services and case management work. Provides Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women (CPW) programs, Newborn Screening (NBS), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP), Personal Care Services (PCS), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Child Protective Services (CPS), and case management services for families in the Children with Special Health Care Services Program (CHSCN-SP). Assist families with the eligibility determination process for CSHCN-SP. Travels to conduct home visits. Completes intakes, Family Needs Assessments, Service Plans, and Follow-up Services to families on caseload. Links families to community Resources. Conducts comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility and need for PCS and Community First Choice (CFC).  Conducts presentations and/or communicates program services, changes to consumer/public in a positive and accurate manner. Actively participates and advocates in Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG), case management coalitions and community organizations.

Maintains and enters relevant information into our reporting systems like the SHSS Task Reporting Qualtrics system and the CMIS database. Provides information and referral services. Completes administrative duties, special assignments, monthly report and work activities in a professional and timely manner. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Works collaboratively with public health staff in the event of a regional or state disaster. Participates in the 24/7 emergency line when on rotation. Maintains confidentiality.

Essential Job Functions

(40%) Client Services

Description: Maintains case files Provides Specialized Social Work consultation and assessment to families of children who are medically fragile and other identified populations to determine Personal Care Services Eligibility. Conducts Needs Assessments on all open Case Management cases and completes Individual Service Plans (ISP) with follow up assessments. Conducts follow-up visits with families to determine if services have been rendered or are still needed. May need to attend school meetings or group conferences for clients receiving case management. Documents all relevant information properly and in a timely manner. Maintains case files and enters family encounter information into an online database.

Essential Job Function: (25%) Community & Outreach

Description: Collaborates with community groups, other regions, public health entities, and regional program staff. Attends community events related to case management needs. Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and other community members as needed. Participates and collaborates with local, state and federal social service entities and others to promote efforts to service families with children who have health risks, conditions and special health care needs. Attends trainings and seminars to obtain and further knowledge about resources in the community. Provides presentations and information to stakeholders and other community members as needed.

Essential Job Function: (15%)  Reporting

Description: Responsible for reporting all SH&SS activities to meet regional program goals and objectives and reporting to Program Supervisor and/or Case Manager Coordinator. Ensures that all case related, and community activities are properly documented in the appropriate database as determined by central office or regional needs. Maintain and document all work events within the proper time frames.

Essential Job Function: (15%) Quality Assurance

Description: Complete all corrective actions recommended after receiving the results of Quality Assurance files audited. Maintain and update any documents completed during any QA audits. Document all corrective actions by entering a communication log in CMIS. Assists in mentoring new staff, and social worker interns. Participate in peer review for regional quality assurance.

Essential Job Function: (5%) Adherence to policy & Other Duties as assigned

Description: Employee actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Performs other duties as assigned. Other Duties as assigned include, programmatic processes for upcoming events and conferences. Complete program tasks as needed. Maintains an acceptable driving record, a valid class C Texas driver's license, and professional license. Maintains working knowledge of Human Resources, Information Technology, Administrative Policy and Program Policy. Reports time, labor and travel information in a timely manner.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:    List the licensure, certification, or registration required to perform this job:

Current Professional license to practice social work in the State of Texas, ie…LBSW, LMSW or LCSW

Or

Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas.

and

Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver’s license, or equivalent license from another state. 

Knowledge Skills Abilities:  List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position: (KSA’s)

Knowledge of Case Management principles and practices.

Knowledge of children’s programs, such as Medicaid, CSHCN, Case Management for Children & Pregnant Women, CPS/Foster Care, SSI, NBS, NBHS, Lead, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), and CHIP.

Knowledge of quality assurance and technical assistance policies and procedures.

Knowledge of community resources on a local, state and national level.

Knowledge of the cultural and socioeconomic issues related to health and disabilities.

Skill in using computer software programs in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail and Internet, specifically MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Outlook.

Skill in compiling monthly reports, travel reports, and time activity reports.

Skill in conducting in-home family needs assessments and developing service plans.

Skill in providing presentations and trainings.

Skill in conflict resolution, mediation, and problem solving.

Ability to work effectively as a team member in an interdisciplinary setting.

Ability to interpret and apply program policies and procedures.

Ability to provide professional leadership.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to plan work in an orderly manner to manage caseloads and meet deadlines.

Ability to provide training and technical assistance to professionals.

Ability to speak and write effectively and to address audiences in a professional manner.

Ability to provide own transportation to conduct work duties.

Ability to work under minimum supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Ability to follow DSHS Policies and Procedures and adhere to the DSHS Standards of Conduct and Work Rules.

Initial Screening Criteria:  

• Experience in Case Management principles and practices - 2 year preferred
• Experience and good working knowledge of local resources-2 years preferred
• Experience using effective organizational skills to meet deadlines- 2 years preferred
• Experience in the use of computers and related equipment, including the use of Office Suite, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software required. -2 years required
• Experience in oral and written communication- 2 years preferred 

Additional Information:    

PLEASE NOTE: Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name and phone number of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties performed in a way that specifically demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION NOR FOR SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATION IN MEETING INITIAL CRITERIA (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application.

You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. HHS agencies use E-Verify.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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. 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form