CPS Adoption Preparation Worker

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 add significant 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 Functional Title: CPS Adoption Preparation Worker Job Title: CPS CVS Spec I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Region 9 CPS Dir Del - CVS Brief Job Description The position works under the supervision of a CVS supervisor and provides permanent planning and placement services to abused or neglected children. The position recruits, trains, studies, licenses, and develops foster and adoptive homes for the Child Protective Services program. It supports families and children in dealing with separation and attachment issues in preparation for permanent placements, actively seeks placement options for specific children, and recommends placements. The position participates in abuse and neglect investigations related to foster/adoptive families as assigned. It may assist the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange Coordinator by gathering and reviewing information pertaining to children available for adoption, preparing information listed on the DFPS internet website, fielding calls, screening families inquiring about adoption and forwarding information to caseworkers assigned to recruit for the child. The position interacts routinely with DFPS staff, children, foster/adoptive parents, child placement agencies, lawyers, court personnel, therapists, and other state agencies. Newly hired employees holding a master’s degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Recruits, identifies and matches children with prospective adoptive families; and provides services to children in adoptive placement Recruits, trains, completes studies, licenses, and develops foster and adoptive families Maintains sufficient case documentation, including forms and narratives, to provide a complete and accurate written record Builds and maintains communication and working relationships within the program and region and community groups to ensure that the objectives of the agency are accomplished Conducts assessments of current life situations of child or children and families to determine the presence of child abuse and neglect Provides services after normal working hours and on weekends to maintain 24‑hour coverage 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 good child placement practices Skills in preparing children for adoptive placements Skills in developing and maintaining professional working relationships Ability to support families in dealing with separation and attachment issues Ability to assess child’s needs and progress in the placement process Ability to maintain timely documentation and effectively manage caseload Ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner Ability to assess current life situations of children to determine the presence of child abuse and/or neglect Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications This position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle, an 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. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided. Initial Screening Criteria 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 include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at‑risk populations Preferred Criteria Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health Previous professional or volunteer experience in a government agency, nonprofit, 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 Travel and Physical Requirements This role requires frequent travel to homes and offices both within and outside your assigned region. Reliable transportation and a strong willingness to travel are essential, as you can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time. Some overnight travel may also be required. Physical activities include frequently standing, hearing, talking, occasionally climbing, and exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, or minimal force constantly to move objects. Background Check and Security 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 must complete related training and abide by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies. ADA Accommodation 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 online 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. DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I‑9 documentation on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the U.S. Please review the following link for authorized documents: #J-18808-Ljbffr