Statewide Intake Specialist

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

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.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance —at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Statewide Intake Specialist
Job Title: Protective Srv Intake Spcl I
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: SWI Direct Delivery
Posting Number: 22951
Closing Date: 11/16/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Range: $3,409.83- $5,094.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16
Shift: Compressed Weekend
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: ARLINGTON
Job Location Address: 1200 E COPELAND RD STE 400
Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata
MOS Codes: 0149,5805,5821,5822,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1
5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP12

Brief Job Description:

THIS POSITION OFFERS TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIES AND CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

The position answers calls placed to Protective Services Statewide Intake (SWI) for reporting abuse/neglect of children; and abuse, neglect, or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities. In addition to answering calls, the position reviews faxes, mail and Internet information received by SWI. The position assesses intakes for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling. The position must be able to provide adequate 24-hour coverage, including holidays and must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

To explore more of what Statewide Intake Specialists do, click here.

For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more DFPS, please click here. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.

DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Assesses severity of the circumstances according to department policies and procedures and assigns a priority classification to all reports.
• Assesses intake reports for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling.
• Provides assistance to unit supervisor and unit staff in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor’s absence.
• Obtains and documents detailed information from callers and correspondence concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of children and abuse, neglect or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities.
• Provides policy information to the public and other information and referral services.
• Relays reports of abuse or neglect to appropriate protective services field staff or outside agency.
• Documents all Information & Referral calls and correspondence received.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Texas laws relating to abuse/neglect of children and abuse/neglect/exploitation of elderly and disabled adults.
• Knowledge of normal child development, the aging process, and family dynamics.
• Skill in interviewing, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to elicit information relative to the determination of the likelihood of abuse/neglect/exploitation.
• Ability to empathize with and provide encouragement to clients and their families.
• Ability to type information into an automated system while conversing with callers over the phone.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None Required

Initial Screening Criteria:

Statewide Intake Specialist I: Protective Services Intake Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Statewide Intake Specialist II: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Statewide Intake Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Statewide Intake Specialist III: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II for 9 months AND received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Statewide Intake Specialist IV: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Preferred Criteria

• Completion of coursework or a degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Prior professional or volunteer experience in child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, or substance abuse services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care or experience conducting interviews or assessments with children and families.

Additional Information:

THIS POSITION CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

This is a telework position and requires reliable, high-speed internet service. Employees must have internet through a dependable provider that can consistently support the demands of the job. Mobile hotspots, MiFi devices, and phone tethering are not acceptable as a primary internet connection.

This position may be filled at any level from a Protective Services Intake Specialist I to Protective Services Intake Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group.

Statewide Intake Shift Differential:

• Nights - Shifts ending between the hours of 11:30 PM and 8:30 AM: 6% differential.

• Weekends - Shifts ending between 12:30 AM Saturday and 8:30 AM Monday: 2.5% differential for each shift scheduled as a weekend shift. The maximum differential is 5% for weekend shifts.

• A weekend differential may be offered in addition to a night differential.

• A 11% differential is the maximum for any schedule

Applicants hired into positions that qualify for the pay differentials will be eligible for this increase the first of the month following the eight weeks of Basic Skills Development training.

Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute: A typing test will be given as part of the interview process.

Bilingual English / Spanish speakers are preferred.

Prior Statewide Intake employees that have been separated less than 12 months may not be required to attend Basic Skills Development Training.

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 View email address on aiapply.co with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

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: .

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 View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.