What is a Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Staff member?
A PAL Staff is a caseworker and coordinator of supportive services that help older youth in foster care prepare for their departure and transition from DFPS care and support.
What is the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Program?
The PAL program helps older youth in foster care prepare for their departure and transition from DFPS care and support. Supportive services and benefits are provided to eligible youth ages 16-21 (and to age 23 in some cases for the education and training voucher) to increase self-sufficiency and productivity. If funding is available, some services are provided to youth ages 14 and 15.
Sounds good, but what kinds of things will I really be doing?
- Manages workload of youth ages 15½ to 21 for case management and PAL program administrative status and needs.
- Reviews and verifies referrals for appropriate PAL services such as the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment, Life Skills training, time limited financial help, or after care case management services.
- Determines if contracted PAL services are needed and sends appropriate referral/authorization for the services.
- Reviews delivery and documentation of services to determine accuracy, completion, and need for additional services.
- Conducts PAL program service quality reviews periodically or for practice improvement.
- Consults and supports during permanency conferences such as a Circle of Support (preferred method) for youth ages 16 and older to help the youth with the development of their transition plan.
- Develops a PAL regional annual plan and budget with assistance from their regional budget analyst and PAL contract management staff.
- Provides regular education and training to CPS caseworkers, contract providers, caregivers, and the community about the needs of youth who are transitioning from foster care to adult living.
- Attends and participates in statewide meetings with PAL team members to find ways to ensure statewide consistency, improve program outcomes, understand policy changes, and implement best practices.
- Plans, coordinates, and provides transportation/supervision for statewide and regional conferences and events such as Texas Teen Conference or PEAKS camp.
- Maintains data entry for all youth receiving PAL related services and activities to include a follow up report after a youth has exited from foster care.
What are the job qualifications?
To be a PAL staff you must have a 4-year bachelors degree, but it doesn’t have to be specifically in social work. Prior CPS caseworker experience is preferred especially working with older youth transitioning from foster care to adult living.
What would my salary be?
The salary range for this job is $2585.00 per month to $3491.00 per month.
I think I could do this job, but will I get specifically trained on what to do?
Yes, you will have lots of great training before you begin your job. First, you will receive basic caseworker training. Then, you will be teamed with other PAL staff across the state for the specific details of the PAL job. You will receive a PAL Data Entry, Information and Resource Manual to help you understand the basics of the job.
Are their opportunities for career advancement?
Yes, you will receive ongoing training and receive opportunities to learn more about the needs of older youth transitioning from foster care to adult living. There are various levels of caseworker certification available at http://www2.uts.edu.ssw/ccw/psti/fps/html
Condition of Employment
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator's License. CPS will also request a Criminal Background Check and CPS History check on all applicants.