Administrative Assistant

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

The position provides administrative support to unit supervisor and staff. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff and the general public.

To learn more DFPS, please click here.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Answers and screens telephone inquiries; takes and routes messages and records intake information for referral to caseworkers. Greets visitors, responds to general questions, and directs callers to proper location.
• Prepares correspondence, forms narratives, travel vouchers, meeting notes, performance evaluations, and other documents to support work of the unit.
• Assists staff in matters of office processes and operations including, solving office software and equipment problems such as copy and fax machines to duplicate and transmit materials. Assists with sorting and routing mail.
• Prepares various forms, including time and leave, and arrangements and reimbursement for travel, in addition to assisting with training activities as needed to back-up other unit administrative assistants.
• Maintains a system for progress updates, and develops and maintains various forms, case files and reports.
• Performs data entry into IMPACT and other electronic programs and systems. Provides program and agency information and/or makes referrals to other community resources.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures.
• Skill in using Microsoft Works or Windows environment.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in working in an office supporting several staff members.
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages at an advanced level.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work with confidential information.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment such as fax, copying, and adding machines.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None Required

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent
• One year full-time administrative support, general office, clerical, secretarial or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience.

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required experience

Additional Information:

Administrative Assistants may be required to work together with DFPS caseworkers in providing supervision of children without placement (CWOP). Children can vary in age, but primarily the population that will be worked with is children that can range from 10 to 17 years of age. Responsibilities of the position include assisting the DFPS caseworker with monitoring children and ensuring needs are met during their office or community location stay to include safety, food, hygiene, education and entertainment/recreational activities. This could require working outside of the normal work schedule. If so, overtime compensation may be earned.

Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary for employees coming from other state agencies within Texas.

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 dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

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

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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.