Statewide Intake Specialist - Bilingual

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:

THIS POSITION OFFERS TELEWORK OPPORTUNITIES AND CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

The position answers calls placed to Protective Services Statewide Intake (SWI) for reporting abuse/neglect of children; and abuse, neglect, or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities. In addition to answering calls, the position reviews faxes, mail and Internet information received by SWI. The position assesses intakes for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling. The position must be able to provide adequate 24-hour coverage, including holidays and must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.

A Statewide Intake Specialist- SAO SWI Intake Specialist.

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 Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

To explore more of what Statewide Intake Specialists do, click here.

For a realistic job preview for this position and about the agency, please click here.

You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Assesses severity of the circumstances according to department policies and procedures and assigns a priority classification to all reports.
• Assesses intake reports for determination of priority, allegation type, and handling.
• Provides assistance to unit supervisor and unit staff in interpreting policy, training new workers, completing unit reports, responding to client complaints, and acting in the supervisor’s absence.
• Obtains and documents detailed information from callers and correspondence concerning the alleged abuse or neglect of children and abuse, neglect or exploitation to persons 65 years and older or adults with disabilities.
• Provides policy information to the public and other information and referral services.
• Relays reports of abuse or neglect to appropriate protective services field staff or outside agency.
• Documents all Information & Referral calls and correspondence received.
• 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 Texas laws relating to abuse/neglect of children and abuse/neglect/exploitation of elderly and disabled adults.
• Knowledge of normal child development, the aging process, and family dynamics.
• Skill in interviewing, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to elicit information relative to the determination of the likelihood of abuse/neglect/exploitation.
• Ability to empathize with and provide encouragement to clients and their families.
• Ability to type information into an automated system while conversing with callers over the phone.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None Required

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Statewide Intake Specialist I: • Protective Services Intake Specialist I: An 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 in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

• Statewide Intake Specialist II: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Statewide Intake Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

• Statewide Intake Specialist III: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist II for 9 months AND received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

• Statewide Intake Specialist IV: Employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Statewide Intake Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV OR previous experience as a Statewide Intake Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

• Bilingual Spanish / English proficiency required.

Preferred:

• A minimum of eight years Statewide Intake Specialist experience

Additional Information:

THIS POSITION CAN BE FILLED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

This position may be filled at any level from a Protective Services Intake Specialist I to Protective Services Intake Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group.

Statewide Intake Shift Differential:

• Nights - Shifts ending between the hours of 11:30 PM and 8:30 AM: 6% differential.

• Weekends - Shifts ending between 12:30 AM Saturday and 8:30 AM Monday: 2.5% differential for each shift scheduled as a weekend shift. The maximum differential is 5% for weekend shifts.

• A weekend differential may be offered in addition to a night differential.

• A 11% differential is the maximum for any schedule

Applicants hired into positions that qualify for the pay differentials will be eligible for this increase the first of the month following the eight weeks of Basic Skills Development training.

Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute: A typing test will be given as part of the interview process.

Prior Statewide Intake employees that have been separated less than 12 months may not be required to attend Basic Skills Development Training.

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.