CPS Conservatorship 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. Full‑time employees receive comprehensive benefits that add significant value beyond the base salary: 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% for eligible family members Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years and options to save more with 401(k) and 457 plans Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – time off that is paid Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at many times lower rates Flexible spending accounts for tax savings on health and dependent care Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Essential Job Functions Receives cases from investigators after children are removed from their homes and placed in CPS conservatorship. Determines each child’s needs and ensures appropriate referrals for testing, evaluations, and further assessments are made. Works with children, families, and communities to plan for a child’s permanency. Identifies potential permanency resources for the child through ongoing contact with parents, family members, and other important individuals. Searches for potential kinship providers; completes home studies of kinship caregivers or family friends. Assesses parents’ risk and safety issues, identifies behavior changes needed, and refers parents to appropriate services to move toward positive permanency. Meetings with children, parents, family friends, or foster homes in public and private settings. Collaborates with a Placement Team, including Kinship staff, for placements. Participates in meetings and conferences at times convenient for all involved. Visits children monthly to assess safety, plan for permanency, and discuss needs, wishes, and progress. Attends and participates in court hearings; prepares reports and testifies in court on the child’s needs and progress. Keeps all parties informed about the child’s circumstances and significant events. Works with the department’s attorney to prepare for contested-court hearings and trials. Assists kinship caregivers and foster parents with resources and ongoing communication. Transitions children home during reunification services and provides support until the case is closed. Supervises adoptive placements until adoption is final or case transfers to an adoption caseworker. Uses effective time‑management skills to complete key tasks. Documents case records by completing forms, narratives, and reports. Develops and maintains working relationships with CPS staff, law enforcement, judicial officials, and community resources. Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations. Promotes respect for cultural diversity among coworkers, clients, and contacts. Attends work regularly per agency leave policy. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of child development and family dynamics. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Problem‑solving techniques. Ability to operate a personal computer. Ability to travel for child and family visits, and attend appointments after 5 pm. Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours. Ability to work in an emotion‑filled environment, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas. Initial Screening Criteria Accredited bachelor’s degree OR accredited associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of experience. Preferred Criteria Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY