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:
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100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
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Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
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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)
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Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
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Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
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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.
You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure
Functional Title: CPS Kinship Specialist IV
Job Title: CPS KIN Spec IV
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: Region 6B CPS Dir Del - KIN
Posting Number: 19162
Closing Date: 08/27/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 60%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: LIBERTY
Job Location Address: 1405 MONTA ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0149,5805,5821,5822,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1
5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP12
Job Description:
CPS KIN Specialist *****Open to DFPS Employees Only***** The position assists staff in identifying kinship placements for children in Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) conservatorship. Work involves developing supportive services for the families, which could include training, case management, family counseling, support groups, and information and referral services. The position coordinates these services and assists families in obtaining financial assistance offered by DFPS to help stabilize placements. Funds may be used for day care tuition, tutoring, and assistance with limited exceptional services. The position tracks the provision and utilization of services available through community resources and state agencies for families providing foster care. The position assures caregivers are provided the opportunity to participate in the development of child plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. The position attends related CPS meetings, and case staffing. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services district and state office staff, and the community at large.
Essential Job Functions:
Establishes a regional network and becomes an expert in the knowledge of community services and resources available to kinship caregivers, coordinates these services and resources for kinship caregivers to facilitate and maintain kinship placements for children in the conservatorship of DFPS. • Develops and provides training to CPS staff and families on placement issues for children on both an individual and formal classroom basis. • Assists in case planning activities as it pertains to identifying and preparing families to meet the needs of children that have been abused and neglected, including individual case staffing with DFPS staff and attending. •Planning Team meetings as needed. • Provides input to CPS staff on best practice philosophy in the area of kinship care. • Identifies and collects necessary evaluative data and statistical information to measure outcomes concerning safety, permanency, and well-being for the involved children. • 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.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations. • Knowledge of resources and services available for children • Skill in leading others • Skill in organizing and managing time. • Skill in effective written and verbal communication • Ability to work well with a variety of levels of staff inside and outside the agency in order to secure appropriate placements, resources, and services to meet children’s needs. • Ability to clearly articulate placement issues and specific needs for children. • Ability to clearly document the specific needs and the services required to meet the child’s needs.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Child Protective Services Specialist I: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Child Protective Services Specialist II: 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 in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Child Protective Services Specialist III: 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 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: 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 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.
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 [email protected] with additional questions.
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.
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.
