ICPC Program Specialist IV

Job Description:

ICPC Program Specialist IV

This position reports to the ICPC supervisor and serves as a member of the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) team. ICPC is a statutory agreement between member states that governs the placement of abused, neglected, or dependent children into another state. ICPC provides these children the same protection and services that would be provided to them if they remained in their home state. ICPC also governs children placed as a result of an independent or private adoption and all children (including juvenile) placed into residential treatment facilities. ICPC includes the return of the child to the original jurisdiction should the placement prove not to be in the best interest of the child.

This position processes public ICPC requests and also assists with private ICPC requests when needed. The position reviews, approves, and routes appropriately the requests for home studies, placement and/or supervision of children received in the Texas ICPC office to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children. The position monitors compliance with the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children in Texas. The position provides technical assistance and training to Child Protective Services field staff, providers of residential services and eligibility staff on laws, policies and procedures related to interstate placements. The position performs consultative services and provides technical assistance to Texas and out of state agencies, attorneys, services providers, residential facility staff, community organizations, and/or the general public. The position routinely interacts with the Department of Family and Protective Services state office staff, field staff at all levels, staff from other state and federal agencies, ICPC staff from other states, providers of services for Child Protective Services clients, stakeholders, attorneys, judges and legislators. The position works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position has knowledge of ICPC regulations and requirements and DFPS policy.  

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides guidance and assistance by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• Gathers, organizes, analyzes, and/or prepares documents in response to requests for program information and reports.
• Conducts training and provides guidance to field staff and outside stakeholders in the development and integration of new or revised methods and procedures.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Receives, routes, logs, and tracks various ICPC information such as foster and adoptions requests, placement decisions, placement documentation, supervisory reports, and closure documentation.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and assists to field staff, foster and adoption agencies, probation officers, residential treatment facility staff, parents, attorneys, and ICPC compact staff from other states with case related and other ICPC tasks/duties.
• Demonstrates good communication skills through phone and email. Develops working relationships with field staff as well as internal and external stakeholders. Networks with state and national governments to improve program operations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert and provides guidance and assistance by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software (microsoft office applications, NEICE, CLASS, Adobe, WORD, EXCEL).

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others.

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

Knowledge of CPS placement practice.

Skill in communicating effectively verbally, including over the telephone, and in writing.

Skill in solving problems.

Organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, meet deadlines and ICPC regulation timeframes. Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

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

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

Ability to work effectively in a team environment.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Direct experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years current Child Protective Services or SSCC direct delivery and/or child placement experience.  

Additional Information:

1. Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions in completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified.

2. Your application must be complete. It MUST contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer, name of supervisor, current/final salary, and a description of duties in a way that demonstrates you meet the initial selection criteria at minimum. Missing information may lead to disqualification.

3. RESUMES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION (“See Resume” is not acceptable on the application). Resumes attached and/or pasted into the resume field may not be considered equivalent to the State Application. Information on application must clearly state how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the summary of experience section of the application.

4. The posted salary range is the full range for this position. Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer. ** Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for any potential changes to their current salary.

5. This position’s ability to telework with be determined by agency and division telework policies and will be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions.

6. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

7. Note: Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

***This position can be filled anywhere in the state where there is office availability.***  

MOS Code:

There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.