CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV

Benefits When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save. Health Insurance: 100% paid for you and 50% for eligible family members Retirement Plans: Lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save with 401(k) and 457 plans Paid Time Off: Vacation, holidays, and sick leave that are paid Optional Coverage: Dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates Tax‑Advantaged Accounts: Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care Employee Discounts: On gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Job Details Functional Title: CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV Posting ID: 15407 Agency: Department of Family & Protective Services Department: FCL Placement Program Support Location: 3 Northpoint Dr, Houston, TX Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25 (Monthly) Shift: Day (Additional Shift: Days (First)) Telework: Eligible Travel: Up to 75% statewide Employment: Regular, Full Time, Non‑exempt Job Description CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist III‑IV staff conduct face‑to‑face visits at facilities on heightened monitoring. They interview children to ensure safety and compliance with planning documents, and document visits in IMPACT and CLASS systems as per policy. The position may involve statewide travel up to 75% of the month and requires interaction with DFPS staff, CPS field staff, residential child‑care licensing, investigations, and contracts. Essential Job Functions Conduct interviews and observations with children placed at facilities on heightened monitoring. Enter contact and documentation information into IMPACT and CLASS within required timeframes. Ensure operations comply with heightened monitoring plan tasks. Monitor trends and patterns for ongoing compliance. Provide technical assistance and supportive feedback during monitoring and safety visits. Research history, data, and information pertaining to children and operations. Write reports and present case information to supervisors and other parties. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with DFPS staff, residential child‑care regulations, investigations, and contracts. Attend and participate in training, meetings, and FITS. Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations. Promote respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all contacts. Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, CPS policy, procedures, and Texas Family Code. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with DFPS staff, HHSC staff, and community organizations. Skill in effective verbal and written communication. Skill in working on Teams. Skill in conducting quality interviews. Ability to utilize computer functions, handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and submit reports within short timeframes. Ability to work effectively with limited supervision. Ability to travel statewide for extended periods. Initial Screening Criteria Must have graduated from an accredited four‑year college or university. Experience as a CPS Specialist III or Child Care Regulations Inspector: 24 months employment plus certification (CPS Specialist or Child Care Inspector) OR currently employed in the same role within Texas DFPS or Texas HHS Commission OR previously employed in the same role within those agencies. Experience as a CPS Specialist IV or Child Care Regulations Inspector with similar certification and experience requirements. Acceptable substitutions: Current or former employee of Texas DFPS or Texas HHS Commission who meets minimum qualifications (excluding certification) and has at least 24 months experience as a CPS worker or Child Care Inspector as of September1,2022. Alternative: Applicant with at least 2 years experience as a CPS worker or Child Care Inspector or supervisor in another state. Final Selection Criteria Preferred Location: Region6. Preferred Qualifications This position must be filled by a CPS Caseworker III or higher. Additional Information The position will be in a mobile unit, requiring use of mobile technology (tablet) while away from the office. Employees must be able to work independently yet remain responsive to supervision and assigned units. Candidate Requirements This role requires the use of a personal motor vehicle. Candidates must have a reliable vehicle, an acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle’s load. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided. Compliance and Background Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. State employees must maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants must complete related training and abide by cybersecurity and communications system usage policies. DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code to ensure all Electronic Information Resources comply with accessibility standards (WCAG2.1 AA and Section 508). Staff must be familiar with creating accessible content including Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. DFPS uses E‑Verify. Applicants must bring I‑9 documentation on their first day of work. Reasonable Accommodation In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, DFPS provides reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the DFPS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance with online applications or interview accommodations. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr