At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families in crisis to ensure children's safety and well-being.
- Company: Join the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, making a real difference.
- Benefits: 100% paid health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible work hours and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Empower families and protect children while gaining valuable experience in social services.
- Qualifications: Degree in Social Work or related field; experience in social services preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45799 - 64469 £ per year.
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.
What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck
When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save. Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:
- 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
- Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
- Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
- Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
- Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.
Brief Job Description:
After a family has been investigated, a Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) worker helps them make changes to protect their children from abuse and neglect and keep them safe at home. This involves providing services offered by the agency, the family's community, and their extended families.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
- Responds quickly in crisis situations.
- Provides time limited in-home services to meet the specific needs of families by identifying insufficient protective capacities, developing treatment plans, and using appropriate and necessary resources to minimise risk and provide for safety of the child; and maintains contact with parents and children to achieve treatment goals.
- Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate. This could include removing a child from their family.
- Interacts objectively with “caretakers” who have abused and/or neglected children in their care.
- Discusses issues with families related, but not limited to income, money management, and personal relationships that they will probably consider personal and private.
- Encounters family members who are angry and/or scared.
- Helps identify resources and community support available to the family.
- Assists parents to recognise behaviours that lead to child abuse and/or neglect and empower parents to identify ways to make the necessary behavioural changes.
- Determines action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include working with families to identify family members who can assist with keeping the child safe, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources.
- Gather family and kinship information to support the child in a placement, should the child be placed in DFPS custody.
- Documents all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation and completing all required forms accurately and in a timely manner.
- Works flexible work hours beyond 8a.m.-5p.m., Monday - Friday.
- Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathic understanding when engaging families living in stressful and crisis situations.
- Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
- Attends and participates in trainings, meetings and staffings.
- Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Knowledge of child development
- Knowledge of family dynamics
- Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Skill in problem solving techniques
- Ability to operate a personal computer.
- Ability to travel and attend child and family visits as well as other work-related appointments and meetings after 5pm.
- Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
- Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and which may require conducting home visits in isolated or high crime areas and may involve exposure to substandard and unsanitary living conditions.
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.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Worker 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.
Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Worker II: 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. Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II or Child Protective Investigations Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II or Child Protective Investigations Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Worker III: 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. Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or Child Protective Investigations Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or Child Protective Investigations Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Worker IV: 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. Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV or Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV or Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Preferred Criteria:
- Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health.
- Previous 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.
Additional Information:
This position may be filled at any level from a Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Services Worker Specialist I to a Child Protective Services Family Based Safety Services Worker IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary. This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit. Newly hired DFPS employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.
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.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
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.
CPS Family Based Safety Services Worker in Livingston employer: Texas Health and Human Services Commission
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With comprehensive benefits including 100% paid health insurance, generous retirement plans, and opportunities for career advancement through tailored training programs, DFPS empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families and children in need. Located in Coldspring, this role offers the unique advantage of working closely with local communities while enjoying a flexible work schedule that accommodates personal life.
Contact Details:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CPS Family Based Safety Services Worker in Livingston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Texas Health and Human Services Commission!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Texas Health and Human Services Commission, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Texas Health and Human Services Commission or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace CPS Family Based Safety Services Worker in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Texas Health and Human Services Commission:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Texas Health and Human Services Commission! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Texas Health and Human Services Commission
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
