FGC Spec I

The position works under the direct supervision of the Family Group Decision Making Specialist and functions as the coordinator and/or facilitator of one or more models of Family Group Decision Making, including Family Group Conferences (FGC), Circles of Support (COS), Permanency Conferences (PC), Transition Plan Meetings (TPM), and/or Family Team Meetings (FTM) in the region. Work involves coordinating the receipt of referrals, orientation and preparation of family members, connecting with community resources and setting up family conferences. Work also involves facilitating conferences, and collaborating with family and stakeholder participants in order to determine an appropriate action plan. The position tracks the provision and utilization of services available through local community resources and state agencies for families participating in family conferences. The Family Conference Specialist assures families are provided the opportunity to craft family plans that address child safety, permanency, and well-being issues. Responsibilities include the development of training and orientation materials for participants and coordinating with local community members in order to secure desired services. The position attends family conferences, FGDM Steering Committee meetings, related CPS meetings, and case staffings. Additional duties include the identification and collection of necessary evaluative data, statistical reports as requested, budgetary management, and conference site coordination. The position collaborates with CPS regional staff and administration to create a process that encourages the identification of family strengths to resolve family issues and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for the involved children. The position interacts routinely with Family and Protective Services staff and the general public.

Essential Job Functions:
In conjunction with the regional Family Group Decision Making Specialist, creates protocols for the development of Family Group Decision-Making within the targeted community, including the decision-making about the acceptance of a referral to the project, the preparation of family members, and the appropriateness of the resulting family plan. 5%

Works with the regional Family Group Decision Making Specialist and other Family Conference Specialists, and local advisory/steering committees in the development of services to respond to family needs that reduce family violence and increase family well-being. 10%

Assists in the review and evaluation of community services to identify issues and trends resulting from the family’s use of those services. 5%

Makes recommendations for improvements in services provided and in the family group decision making process to regional management and advisory/steering committees. 5%

Serves as the lead in the preparation and coordination of family participation in the process, and assures all proceedings occur in a manner that maintains the strength and integrity of the family group. Also, serves as a communicator to assist the family in understanding the concerns for child safety and reason for CPS involvement. 30%

Serves as the meeting facilitator to lead participants (family members, CPS and stakeholders) in creating an appropriate action plan, utilizing mediation and facilitation skills. Ensures the plan developed by the family addresses the areas of child safety, permanency, and well-being through the identification of services provided through available family resources and community services. Reports the details of the developed plan to all participants. 30%

Assists the FGDM Specialist in the preparation of administrative reports, the collection of regional data associated with the FGDM project to monitor performance outcomes and effectiveness. 10%

Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.5%

Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Travel:
Regional travel required. 50%

Physical requirements include:

ability to drive day & night;

carry and store supplies;

pack supplies for transportation in personal vehicle;

sitting, operating a computer;

walking, standing, bending, kneeling and squatting;

lifting, pushing & pulling;

seeing;

hearing;

verbal and written communication;

available to work evenings and weekends, and on-call (for emergency FTMs), per regional designation.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

In depth knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations.

Skill in leading others.

Skill in solving problems.

Skill in organizing and managing time.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels and with community groups.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Ability to develop work teams.

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Ability to work with volunteers, individuals and groups from diverse populations.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
none

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university; and

Three years full-time professional social service experience which must include: work with individuals or groups in a social service setting, analysis of work problems and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or DFPS experience.

Additional Information:
none

MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.