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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:



  • 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs


  • Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans


  • 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)


  • Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans


  • Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care


  • 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 PAL Specialist 
Job Title: CPS PAL Spec IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Region 7 CPS Dir Del - PAL 
Posting Number: 18177 
Closing Date: 07/09/2026 
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 70% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: ROUND ROCK 
Job Location Address: 1101 E OLD SETTLERS BLVD 
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 
 
 



OVERVIEW

The position serves as the Preparation for Adult Living coordinator and is responsible for providing coordination between program staff and contractors; identifying and developing resources for Preparation for Adult Living youth; providing follow-up services to emancipated youth; providing consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups and for monitoring Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinating contract management staff. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.


HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

To explore more of what CPS Conservatorship Specialists do, click here.

For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more DFPS, please click here. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.  

DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Provides coordination for Preparation for Adult Living program implementation. Provides follow-up services to emancipated youth.

•Ensures children in care are receiving counseling and guidance in preparation for independent living/emancipation while they are still in care. •Coordinates and assists in planning statewide and regional teen conferences as well as Peaks.

•Monitors Preparation for Adult Living contract service delivery and coordinates contract needs with contract management staff.

•Maintains sufficient case documentation including forms and narratives to provide a complete and accurate written record in assigned Preparation for Adult Living only cases for each youth receiving Preparation for Adult Living services.

•Provides Preparation for Adult Living program consultation/education to staff, caregivers and community groups.

•Develops and maintains communication and working relationships with clients, contractors, Department of Family and Protective Services staff and community.

•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. 

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

 


  • Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.

  • Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

  • Skill in investigative techniques.

  • Ability to operate a personal computer and use various software packages including, the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System and Word.

  • Ability to travel and attend community events & meetings after 5pm and on weekends.

  • Ability to be on call on a rotating basis 

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

 

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

 

Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

 

Child Protective Services Conservatorship Worker I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.   

Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Child Protective Services Conservatorship Worker 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 or Child Protective Investigations Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II or Child Protective Investigations Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

 

Child Protective Services Conservatorship Worker 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 or Child Protective Investigations Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III or Child Protective Investigations Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

 

Child Protective Services Conservatorship Worker 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 or Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV or Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

 

Additional Information:

 

This position may be filled at any level from a CPS Specialist I to CPS Specialist IV. Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

This position will serve as the liaison for DFPS and the Housing Authority. The position will also support in case management of youth through PAL that have been granted housing vouchers.

Community-Based Care (CBC) is a new way to provide services than traditional foster care because it gives local communities the flexibility to draw on local strengths and resources and find innovative ways to meet the unique and individual needs of children and their families. CBC includes many of the services that Child Protective Services (CPS) normally provides. This includes foster care, case management, kinship, and reunification services. A single contractor in each designated community area creates a network of services, foster homes, and other living arrangements and, when ready, provides case management for each child and their family as well. CPS works with each contractor (Single Source Continuum Contractor or SSCC) to carefully manage the transition from traditional foster care to community-driven care. Full implementation of CBC is projected for the year 2029 across the state of Texas. With open proposal options, any given community or regional area may be selected for CBC transition. This position along with your job duties and function will shift form a state position with Texas Department of Family Protective Services to the SSCC, which is a private and non-profit agency serving the same foster care population. After the transition, your office location is subject to change within your same county, which is expected to occur DATE, based on readiness. To learn more about CBC, please visit Community-Based Care

Applicants considered for placement in this position will be required to pass a drug screening.  At the point of offer, candidates will be referred to a testing site. Note that it is important to maintain current contact information in the event you are referred for testing. A final offer of employment will not be extended until the agency receives confirmation of successful test results.

During the 83rd Legislature (2013), the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 427 which requires prospective and current child placing agency (CPA) employees to complete a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) fingerprint check. Child Protective Services functions as a CPA therefore a fingerprint check will be required for each Conservatorship (CVS) and Foster/Adoption home (FAD) direct delivery staff or applicant being considered for employment.

This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office.  Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.

Newly hired DFPS employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.

Learn about the essential COMPETENCIES required/acquired during the first few months of employment here:  DFPS - CPS Practice Guides & Core Competencies

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

These requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. These are typical requirements; however, reasonable accommodations are possible.

Physical Activities: He/she is frequently asked to stand, hear and talk; he/she is occasionally asked to climb.

Physical Demands: The incumbent typically performs work that requires him/her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Visual Requirements: The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet. In addition, he/she must be able to adjust his/her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his/her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions.

Working Conditions: He/she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights.

 

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.