About Job

Local Permanency Specialist

Date: May 5, 2025

Location: WACO, TX

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.

Functional Title: Local Permanency Specialist

Job Title: CPS Local Perm Spec IV

Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: Region 7 CPS Dir Del - LPS

Posting Number: 5295

Closing Date: 05/19/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Protective Services

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range: $4,023.33$6,335.66

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel: Up to 60%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: WACO

Job Location Address: 1711 HERRING AVE

Other Locations: Centerville; Marlin

MOS Codes:

31D, 35L, 35M, 68X, 73A, 311A, 351L, 351M, HM, IS, NC, 183X, 230X, 683X, 783X, IV, MST, INV, ISS

OAP12, 0149, 5821, 5822, 5832, 1N0X1, 4C0X1, 4E0X1, 14NX, 42SX, 43HX, 71SX, 0868, 66C, 47L, 66R

67D, L24A, 001387

Job Description:

Any children in DFPS conservatorship placed outside of their home/legal region are assigned a courtesy supervision caseworker (Local Permanency Specialist) located in the region in which they are placed. The courtesy worker will be responsible for making monthly contact with the children monthly, entering documentation per policy, completing medication reviews for children placed in residential treatment settings, assist primary workers with family visits and subsequent placement moves as needed. The courtesy worker will assure the child's needs are being met appropriately by the placement. The courtesy worker will also provide the primary worker with written information of any meetings/staffings and provide information to assist in the completion of the child's plan of service, common application and court report. The courtesy worker will facilitate parent and/ or sibling visitation. The courtesy worker will provide resources to relative placements.

Essential Job Functions (ESFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Provide direct support services to meet the specific needs of the child; monthly contact with child, attend case staffing, educational meetings, medical appointments, therapeutic appointments
Assess placement to ensure for appropriateness regarding to the child's health and well-being
Documents monthly narratives, communicates with primary worker to assist in the completion of child's plan of service, common application, and court report.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between CPS staff, community providers, kinship/relative caregivers, law enforcement officials, judicial officials
Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and 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. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of agency policies and procedures
Skills in effective verbal and written communication
Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
Good organizational skills/time management
Knowledge of child development
Knowledge of family dynamics
Skill in problem solving techniques
Ability to operate a personal computer and use of IMPACT
Ability to travel
Flexibility in schedule to accommodate for late evening contacts

Initial Screening Criteria:

Child Protective Services Specialist II: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist for 18 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Three and one half years cumulative Child Protective Services Specialist experience AND currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III AND have received Child Protective Services Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Additional:

This position may be filled at any level from a CPS Specialist II to CPS Specialist IV.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Waco