Program Specialist I

Program Specialist I

CPS Youth Specialist

• This position works under the direct supervision of the Program Director and works closely with the PAL and Circle of Support Coordinators. The key job responsibilities of this position include organizing and supporting the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Youth Leadership Committee (YLC); advancing the work of the Regional YLC, and outreach to youth; linking to YLC's in other regions and with community partners; promoting the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth transitioning from out of home care; writing articles and announcements for youth publications; consulting with others on projects and providing and gathering youth input to ensure the consumer perspective; related administrative tasks; and other duties as assigned. The position will be filled by a former foster youth. Essential Job Functions:

Coordinates and supports the development, maintenance and activities of the Regional Youth Leadership Committee (YLC).

• Coordinates youth opportunities in leadership development and training, advocacy, and how to operate, govern and maintain the YLC.

• Advances the work and presence of the YLC, linking young people across the region and supporting the Committee's outreach activities and priorities.

• Coordinates with staff and work groups to provide youth/alumni perspective into practice, procedures, and policies related to youth currently or formerly in care and who continue to receive benefits.

• Gathers youth input to ensure consumer perspective. Assists with development of care services, policies and procedures related to services provided to foster care youth.

• Serves as a youth consultant to staff, workgroups, committees. Represents the region as a member of the Regional Youth Specialists Group, and to the PAL and ETV Specialists at State Office.

• Promotes the role of advocacy and public education at the community and regional levels regarding issues facing youth transitioning out of care.

• Works on various projects that may involve speaking before groups for educational purposes related to youth development and leadership.

• Assists with writing articles and announcements for youth newsletters, the website and other related publications.

• Performs related administrative tasks, such as internet research, typing, copying, faxing and filing.

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

• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.

• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of Child Protective Services (CPS) and experience mentoring, guiding, working with young people in the child welfare system.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Good organizational skills and ability to set and meet established priorities.

• Ability to relate well to others in a multi-ethnic work environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others, verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

• Experience and proficiency using the Internet, Word, Outlook, Power Point, and Excel. Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Requires a driver's license Initial Selection Criteria:

A young adult must be an alumni of a state's child welfare system.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

*Completion of 30 semester hours from an accredited College or University

• Experience in administrative work or a technical program area. Additional Information:

This position can be housed in any Region 11 office. 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.

I-9 Form

• Click here to download the I-9 form.

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.