Youth 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: Youth Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Region 6A CPS Dir Del -Other Posting Number: 18717 Closing Date: 07/23/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $3,581.33- $5,372.41 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 85% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: HOUSTON Job Location Address: 9111 EASTEX FWY STE 302 Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS


Job Description:

Program Specialist I

This position works under the direct supervision of Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) supervisor or the director over the PAL program. This position acts as the subject matter expert and serves as a liaison interfacing with CPS staff and youth and young adults who are currently or formerly in foster care. The key job responsibilities of this position include organizing and supporting the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Leadership Council (YLC); advancing the work of the Regional YLC, and outreach to youth and young adults; promoting the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth and young adults transitioning from out of home care; writing articles and announcements for YLC publication; consulting with others on projects and providing and gathering youth and young adults input; submit quarterly reports to State Office Youth Specialist; related administrative tasks; and other duties assigned. This position works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. This position will be filled by a former foster care youth who aged out of care.


Essential Job Functions:

• Attends work on a regular predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties assigned.
• Promotes the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth transitioning out of care. Works on various projects that may involve speaking before groups for education purposes related to youth development and leadership.
• Coordinates and supports the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Youth Leadership Committee (YLC). Prepares reports and submits information to regional and/or state office administration.
• Coordinates youth opportunities in leadership development and training, advocacy, and how to operate, govern and maintain the YLC. Advances the work and presence of the YLC, linking young people across the regionand supporting the committee's outreach activites and priorities.
• Coordinates with staff and work groups to provide youth/alumni perspective into practice, procedures, and policies related to youth currently or formerly in care and who continue to receive benefits. Gathers youth input to ensure consumer perspective. Assists with development of core services, policies and procedures related to services provided to foster care youth.
• Assist in providing consulatative services, sharing of policy, best practice, and program information with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare materials for the Transitional Living Services program, regional Youth Leadership Council reports, and other materials as requested related to youth currently and formerly in foster care.
• Explains and disseminates information concerning Transitional Living Services and other supports to youth and young adults.
• Responds to inquiries from youth currently and formerly in foster care regarding services and benefits for youth who experienced the foster care system.
• Serves as a youth consultant to staff, workgroups and committees. Represents the region as a member of the Regional Youth Specialists Group, and ot the PAL and ETV Specialists at State Office.
• Prepares and compiles training materials. Will present training materials at regional and state events individually and/or as a part of a team.
• Assists with writing articles and announcements for youth newsletters, the website, and other related publications.
• Performs related administrative tasks, such as internet research, typing, copying, faxing and filing.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of Child Protective Services (CPS) and experience mentoring, guiding, working with young people in the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of CPS and Transitional Living Services and benefits for youth and young adults to promote the successful transition from the foster care system.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Good organizational skills and ability to set and meet established priorities.
• Ability to maintain a budget for regional YLC.
• Ability to relate well to others in multi-ethnic work environment.
• ABility to communicate effectively with the children, youth, and others, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to present orally.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to utilize deescalation skills.
• Ability to utilize critical thinking skills.
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment, computer, and software.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Applicants for positions which require, as part of the essential functions of the job, driving a motor vehicle, must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load.


Initial Selection Criteria:

• Must be an alumni of a State's welfare system.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Completion of 30 semester hours from an accredited College or University.
• One year of relevant work experience in administrative work or a technical program area is preferred.
• Preferred work experience using personal computer and work experience to indicate a general understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform job duties.
• Willingness to travel overnight and across Texas.

Additional Information:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation durign 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. * A pplicant must be willing and able to provide documentation of being an alumni of a state's child welfare system.*

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 her.

As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213), to ensure all Electronic Information Resoureces (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.


I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.


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 the disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.


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 click.appcast.io 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 click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.