Job/Position DescriptionA Child Protective Services Caseworker - SAO CPS Spec I{target="blank"}.This position recruits, studies licenses, and develops foster homes for the Child Protective Services program. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, clients, and the general public.To view a realistic online video about Child Protective Services workers and clients, please click here{target="blank"}.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. WHY WORK FOR DFPS?The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected and#151; children, elderly, and people with disabilities and#151; from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, and Values{target="blank"} in service to the 27 million citizens{target="blank"} of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program{target="blank"}, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits{target="blank"}, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program{target="blank"}, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System{target="blank"} 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. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire. Essential Job Functionsand#149; Conducts Parent Resource Information and Development Education training groups and completes foster home studies to certify homes for child placement.and#149; Conducts quarterly visits and revalidation studies on licensed foster homes to ensure continued compliance with standards for child placement.and#149; Investigates reports of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by interviewing parents, family members, and others, interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent formation from other sources.and#149; Recruits prospective foster parents through media contact and speaking engagements.and#149; Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. and#149; Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.and#149; Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.Registrations, Licensure Requirements or CertificationsThis position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=609587 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.