CPS Conservatorship Supervisor

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.

Job Description:

This position will report directly to the CPS Regional Director. The position supervises a unit of caseworkers and clerical staff responsible for providing child protective services. The position oversees the unit in accordance with Child Protective Services Handbook, Title III of the Texas Family Code and Minimum Standards of child placing agencies. The position interacts routinely with clients, judges, attorneys, children, school personnel and all other aspects of the community. The role of a Conservatorship supervisor is a fast-paced, high energy position requiring daily assessment and decision-making of child safety issues, and permanency. One must possess the initiative to independently organize and manage numerous tasks associated with the position. Conservatorship supervisors will interact routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, parents, children, youth, caregivers, contract providers, civil and criminal court personnel along with community representatives, and other partner agencies. CVS supervisors manage and develop staff to ensure that services to children, youth and families are set up timely, that services are directed towards child safety, permanency, and well-being. They ensure that each child, youth and parent has a current plan of service, and that children visit with family members per agency policy.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans and manages unit operations to achieve project goals and objectives for services delivery by monitoring caseloads, consulting with staff on case issues, approving leave, and holding unit meetings • Selects, manages, and develops staff through field visits with staff, review of performance data, conferences, training, and performance appraisal. • Interprets program policy and procedures to unit staff, other agency staff, parents, children, youth, caregivers, the courts, CASA, other stakeholders, and the general public. • Evaluates unit performance through case readings, computer reports, and observation of unit operations to ensure unit compliance with policy, procedure, and service control requirements. • Develops and maintains effective working relationships between Child Protective Services staff, Child Welfare boards, the general public, legal, medical, educational, and other community resources. • Makes casework decisions regarding the removal and placement of children, and works with county and district attorneys on legal measures to initiate on Child Protective Services cases. • Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations • Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity. • Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of conservatorship, child development and family dynamics. Experience in conservatorship is required.

Skilled in effective verbal and written communication, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and skilled on problem solving techniques.

Ability to operate a personal computer, travel and attend child and family visitation as well as other work related appointments and meetings after 5PM. Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours, and ability to work in an emotion filled environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None Required.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Child Protective Services Supervisor I: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus 3 years of full-time experience in Child Protective Services* or child placement services** in a public social services agency OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus four (4) years CPI/CPS casework work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus 3 and half (3 1/2) years of CPI/CPS casework work experience OR Currently employed as a Child Protective Services Supervisor I in Family and Protective Services. Current employees must have current and “meets expectations” performance evaluation and no documented performance issues within the last two years. Child Protective Services Supervisor II: Completion of Phase I Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR Currently employed as a Child Protective Services Supervisor II in Family and Protective Services OR Currently employed in a Family and Protective Services management position in the Child Protective Services program at a level above Child Protective Services Supervisor AND prior experience as Child Protective Services Supervisor in Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Supervisor II. *Child Protective Services is professional social work where primary duties are providing social casework services to abused, neglected, or exploited children and their families; or in recruiting, studying, and certifying foster and adoptive homes. **A Child placement service is the decision-making process around placing and monitoring children in licensed 24-hour childcare facilities and in adoptive placement in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Additional Information:

This position may be filled as a CPS Supervisor I or II. Former CPS Caseworkers or Supervisors currently working for other DFPS Departments will be considered.

The position may be housed anywhere within Region 7 with preference to Central Austin.

This position will be utilized as a floating supervisor to assist in covering vacant units, managing new protege's, assist in training for staff to help managing daily tasks and caseload management.

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.