Human Services Technician

CPS FBSS Unit HST III This position functions as an assistant to agency staff and supervisors in providing human services to Child Protective Services (CPS) clients, including transportation and documentation of services provided.
It also includes supervising visitations between parents and children and providing various clerical functions.
The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (FPS) staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.
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 Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year.
Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.
Essential Job Functions: • Provides transportation for clients to and from appointments as requested by caseworkers and/or Unit Supervisor.
• Observes and/or supervises parent and child visits.
• Completes appropriate forms and documentation concerning client contact including data entry into IMPACT and other agency systems.
• Maintain out-going paper and/or electronic appointment calendar for scheduling requests made by caseworkers/supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations including performing various clerical duties such as typing, filing, faxing, copying, answering/receiving telephone inquiries, etc.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities: • Knowledge of Child Protective Services • Knowledge of community resources • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to get work effectively with others.
• Ability to effectively supervise children of various ages.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, several software packages, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to work in an office supporting several staff members.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle; an acceptable driving record for the past five years; a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load that applies to the job; and proof of insurance.
Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Initial Selection Criteria: • Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• One-year full-time social services, clerical, secretarial, administrative support, general office, or FPS experience.
Acceptable Substitutions: • Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university.
Additional Information: Human Service Technicians may be required to work together with DFPS caseworkers in providing supervision of children without placement (CWOP).
Children can vary in age, but primarily the population that will be worked with is children that can range from 10 to 17 years of age.
Responsibilities of the position include assisting the DFPS caseworker with monitoring children and ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include: safety, food, hygiene, education and entertainment/recreational activities.
This could require working outside of the normal work schedule.
If so, overtime compensation may be earned.
Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary for employees coming from other state agencies within Texas.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
MOS Code: Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position.
All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk.
As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.
HHS agencies use E-Verify.
You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
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.