CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV

CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist IV

Location: Houston, 3 Northpoint Dr

Transportation: Requires personal vehicle with valid Texas driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

The CPS Heightened Monitoring Specialist III‑IV is responsible for conducting face‑to‑face visits at facilities on heightened monitoring, interviewing children and staff, ensuring compliance with monitoring plan tasks, documenting visits in IMPACT and CLASS, and providing technical assistance and feedback during monitoring visits. The position may travel statewide up to 75% of the month and interacts routinely with DFPS staff, CPS field staff, residential child‑care licensing and investigation teams.

• Conduct interviews and observations with children placed at facilities on heightened monitoring.
• Enter contact and documentation information into IMPACT and CLASS within required agency time frames.
• Ensure operations are compliant with their heightened monitoring plan tasks.
• Monitor trend and pattern areas for ongoing compliance.
• Provide technical assistance and supportive feedback during monitoring and safety visits.
• Research history, data, and information pertaining to children and the operation.
• Write reports and present case information to supervisor and other parties.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships between DFPS staff, residential child‑care regulations, investigations, and contracts.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and FITS.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Requires personal motor vehicle usage.
• Must possess a reliable motor vehicle, 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.

• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, CPS policy and procedures, and the Texas Family Code.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with DFPS staff, HHSC staff, and community organizations.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in working on Teams.
• Skill in conducting quality interviews.
• Ability to use common computer functions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to submit reports within a short timeframe.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with limited supervision.
• Ability to travel statewide for extended periods of time.

• Graduated from an accredited four‑year college or university.
• Minimum of 24 months experience as a CPS Specialist III or a Child Care Regulations Inspector, with certification as applicable, or currently employed in an equivalent position.
• For CPS Specialist IV or Child Care Regulations Inspector positions, similar experience and certification/exemplary status required.
• Acceptable substitutions: any current or former employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or Texas Health and Human Services Commission who meets minimum qualifications except certification, with at least 24 months experience as a CPS worker or Child Care Regulations Inspector as of September 1, 2022.
• Applicants from other states with two years experience as a CPS worker or Child Care Regulations Inspector or supervisor may qualify.

• Preferred location:
  Region 6.
• Preferred qualifications:
  
  Position must be filled at a CPS Caseworker III or higher.

• The position will be in a mobile unit; majority of work conducted using mobile technology such as a tablet.
• Full‑time position with day shift; telework eligible; travel up to 75%.
• All military members encouraged to apply; accommodations available for ADA.
• Background check and driver's record check required.
• Compliance with cybersecurity, accessibility standards, and E‑Verify required.