CANS District System Support Specialist - Region 8

Job Description:
CANS District System Support Specialist - Region 8

Performs highly complex (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of an agency's business function, division, or department. Work involves establishing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, and policies; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating business function, division, or department activities; developing and evaluating budget requests; and monitoring budget expenditures. Supervises the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
May manage the day-to-day activities of staff in a business function(s), division(s), or department(s).
• Plans and manages Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) Assessor unit operations to achieve project goals and objectives for services delivery by monitoring budgets and caseloads, consulting with staff on case issues, approving leave and conducting unit meetings.
• Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, conferences, training and performance appraisals.

Establishes goals and objectives; develops and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and manages evaluation activities.
• Interprets CANS program policy and procedures to unit staff, other agency staff and the general public.
• Develops unit operations to ensure the CANS assessment is administered consistent with policies and procedures, and within CANS certification requirements.

Confers with executive management to develop strategic plans and long- and short-term goals for the department.
• Works with the Texas Child-Centered Care System implementation team, executive leadership, Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCC) and DFPS CANS Assessor teams to develop strategic plans to facilitate quality improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates and consults with Texas Child-Centered Care System implementation team, executive leadership, Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCC) and DFPS CANS Assessor teams to develop short-term and long-term goals and deliverables related to the administration of the CANS assessment to children, youth and young adults involved in the Child Welfare System.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating business function, division, or department activities.
• Works with 3rd party contract providers to review and provide input to on-going Texas Child-Centered Care System Continuous Quality and Assurance Improvement evaluation.
• Coordinates with Texas Child-Centered Care implementation team and regional SSCC and CPS leadership to implement findings and recommendations from the evaluation.

Plans and develops a budget, evaluates budget requests, monitors budget expenditures, and makes adjustment as necessary.
• Evaluates staff capacity and workload to develop budget resource requests.
• Works with DFPS Finance and CPS program to identify budget resources during a catchment area's transition to Community-Based Care, ensuring a smooth transition of the CANS assessment process under a Single Source Continuum Contractor.
• Reviews and recommends budget needs based on resources to the Office of Finance to improve program outcomes.

Plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates policies and procedures; and monitors compliance with policies and procedures.
• Monitors CANS Assessor staff compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provides training, technical assistance and guidance to CANS Assessor staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Prepares management and productivity reports; and reviews and approves documents and reports developed by employees to ensure professional quality and appearance, appropriate content, consistency, and responsiveness.
• Analyzes staff performance and productivity through reviews of CANS assessments and required documentation.
• Prepares management reports on staff performance and productivity.

Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.
• Evaluates unit operations and observes staff performance to support decision making and identify areas for improvement in monitoring outcomes.
• Identifies and makes recommendations to improve the CANS assessment process and Texas Child-Centered Care System to meet the child's custom needs.

Provides technical expertise and guidance regarding questions related to the business function, division, or department.
• As a certified CANS Super-Skilled User, provides technical assistance and guidance to agency staff, leadership and the community related to the Texas Child-Centered Care System, placement process and CANS assessment.
• As a certified CANS Super-Skilled User, provides technical assistance and guidance to agency staff, leadership and the community related to service/support recommendations and treatment planning based on the CANS assessment.

May oversee the implementation of changes resulting from new legislation.
• Oversees implementation of legislative changes related to the Texas Child-Centered Care System.
• Provides bill analysis as it relates to Texas Child-Centered Care System.
• Researches and reviews relevant data and information to assist in determining the impact pf pending legislation related to Texas Child-Centered Care System.

May oversee special investigations, program analyses, research studies, and internal audits.
• Works with the Continuous Quality Assessment and Improvement contractors to provide input on the use and efficacy on the use of the CANS assessment.

May supervise the work of others.
• Supervises a unit of DFPS CANS Assessor staff, including hiring and training.
• Evaluates unit performance through reports and observation of unit operations to ensure unit compliance with policy, procedure, and service control requirements.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the CPS Program; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to manage business function, division, or department activities; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Knowledge of the CPS Program.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures and provide guidance to others.
Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
Ability to plan, implement and meet deadlines.
Ability to work with individuals and groups from diverse populations.
Ability to work independently and develop productive teams.
Ability to work outside of normal business hours.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Successful completion of the Texas CANS Child Welfare certification and certification as a CANS Super-Skilled User within 90 days of hire date included as part of the position's training and required annually thereafter.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from high school or equivalent. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Two years full time consultative, social service, professional or technical work.
Three years full time experience supervising staff.

Acceptable Substitutions: DFPS experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education, with a maximum substitution of four years. Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years.

Additional Information:
Please note that this position requires the successful candidate to reside within the boundaries of Region 8. Only applicants who currently live within these CPS regions will be considered for this role. By applying, you certify that you meet this residency requirement.

MOS Code:
For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk .

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.