ICPC Specialist

Position:                                        ICPC Specialist              
Comparable DFPS Position:        ICPC Specialist              
Classification:                               Full-time, Non-exempt
Reports to:                                    ICPC Supervisor                      
Company:                                     Texans Together             

Location:                                      
Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized) 

Position Description:

The ICPC Specialist manages a high number of children on their caseload in multiple stages of service including parent reunifications, kinship both licensed and non-licensed, relative foster/adoption and non-relative foster adopt and complete at monthly announced and unannounced FTF visits consistent within required Permanency guidelines. The position interacts routinely with children and families, representatives from various organizations, out of state agencies, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and the general public.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Receives and manages cases from out of state agencies after children are removed from their homes, placed in conservatorship, placed in care outside their homes; from other catchment areas and legacy regions for courtesy supervision and visits of parents that live in region 6.
• Assesses the needs, safety, well-being, and permanency needs of children in care and coordinates appropriate services, evaluations, assessments, and referrals.
• Works with children, parents, families, caregivers, and other community partners to develop and advance permanency plans.
• Identifies and engages potential permanency resources, including relatives, kinship caregivers, and other individuals important to the child and family.
• Completes and reviews home studies for relatives and other potential kinship caregivers.
• Meets with parents and prospective caregivers to assess safety and risk, identify needed behavioral changes, coordinate services, and monitor progress toward permanency.
• Conducts required visits with children to assess safety, well-being, placement stability, needs, wishes, and progress toward permanency.
• Meets with children, parents, caregivers, and other individuals in homes, community settings, and other locations as necessary.
• Participates in case meetings, conferences, hearings, and other proceedings and coordinates with the primary caseworker as required.
• Maintains communication with the sending agency or primary caseworker regarding the child’s circumstances, placement, well-being, and significant case developments.
• Prepares required supervision reports and other documentation regarding the child’s well-being, caregiver capacity, placement status, and identified concerns.
• Supports kinship caregivers and foster parents by providing case information, addressing concerns, and coordinating resources necessary to meet the child’s needs.
• Coordinates with the primary caseworker to support reunification and the child’s transition home and provides case support through legal case closure, as applicable.
• Supervises adoptive placements through finalization, as assigned.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and timely case records, forms, narratives, and reports in accordance with established requirements.
• Manages assigned caseload and priorities to ensure required activities and deadlines are completed timely.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with sending agencies, DFPS, law enforcement, courts, legal representatives, healthcare professionals, service providers, and other community partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or related field required. Relevant experience considered in lieu of education requirement.
• Minimum two (2) years’ relevant work experience in child welfare, foster care, adoption, or permanency services.
• Prior experience with ICPC processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working withing the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of child welfare and placement practices that promote safety, well-being, family connections, and permanency.
• Knowledge of applicable agency policies, procedures, laws, and regulations related to child welfare, abuse, and neglect.
• Skill in preparing and supporting children, youth, and families through permanency and placement transitions.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective professional relationships with children, families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Skill in assessing child and family strengths, needs, safety, well-being, and progress toward permanency.
• Skill in identifying and coordinating services and resources to address needs and support case goals.
• Skill in gathering, analyzing, and applying information to case planning and decision-making.
• Ability to support children and families experiencing separation, loss, attachment, and transition challenges using strengths-based practices.
• Ability to manage assigned responsibilities and maintain clear, accurate, and timely case documentation.
• Ability to understand and consider the impact of race, poverty, and systemic inequities on children and families and provide culturally responsive services.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with children, families, caregivers, and community partners.

Work Conditions:

• Environment: Office-based
• Conditions: Frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situations.
• Work Schedule: Mon – Fri during standard business hours
• Travel: Frequent - Regular travel across Harris County and the 12- county service region. Reliable transportation required.

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.