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: FGC Spec I
Job Title: FGC Spec I
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: Region 7 CPS Dir Del -FGDM
Posting Number: 18021
Closing Date: 06/29/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 70%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: WACO
Job Location Address: 801 AUSTIN AVE STE B-30
Other Locations: Waco
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
Essential Job Functions:
The FGC Specialist serves as the lead in the preparation and coordination of family group conferences or family team meetings. The specialist works with the family during the coordination process, and assures all proceedings occur in a manner that maintains the strength and integrity of the family group. 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. Also, serves as a communicator to assist the family in understanding the concerns for child safety and reason for CPS involvement. Works with the Family Group Decision Making Supervisor, caseworkers, supervisors, and department subject matter experts when coordinating meetings to ensure the needs of the family is met. Prepares meeting notes and ensures all parties who should receive the information does as well as documenting meetings in the appropriate manner. Other duties as assigned and required to maintain FGDM operations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The Family Group Decision Making Specialist I must demonstrate experience in analyzing services and addressing complex case-related problems, including those with administrative components. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and effective time management to coordinate meetings and support family-centered planning processes.
The position requires the ability to plan, organize, and coordinate Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) meetings and related support services in environments with diverse and often high-demand needs.
Candidates must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret complex written materials and clearly convey information to families, staff, and stakeholders. The role also requires the ability to effectively facilitate structured conversations, mediate discussions, and guide families and support networks toward collaborative decision making.
Knowledge of CPS program policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations. 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 prioritize tasks and meet required deadlines. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet the demands of the job. Ability to attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
None required.
Initial Screening Criteria:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus 3 years of full-time experience in Child Protective Services* or child placement services** in a public social services agency OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus four (4) years CPI/CPS casework work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus 3 and half (3 1/2) years of CPI/CPS casework work experience
Additional Information:
This is not a remote position. Will require 70% travel within Region in order to coordinate and facilitate Family Team Meetings, Family Group Conferences, Permanency Conferences and/or other requested meetings facilitated by FGDM. This posting is for a position in Region 7, housed in Waco, Texas, however travel to other locations and/or surrounding counties within this region or others may be necessary on occasion.
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 dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov 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.