TDCJ - Case Manager III - Substance Use Programs

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) forensic science management work overseeing crime laboratory operations, including tests, analysis, and identification of physical evidence or database samples. Interprets analytical results, develops and instructs staff on new techniques, prepares technical reports, and testifies as an expert witness.

Responsibilities

• Manages personnel in the section regarding work assignments, priorities, and expectations.
• Oversees the laboratory/section by reviewing laboratory reports and work records; ensures quality work is performed, accurate reports are issued, and all quality assurance measures are met.
• Ascertains that evidence or database samples are secured, properly marked, and sealed; inventories evidence per guidelines; oversees receipt, destruction, and return of evidence.
• Participates in personnel decisions, oversees employee training, monitors performance, and arranges additional training for employees.
• Conducts liaison with area law enforcement personnel and prosecuting attorneys to meet needs.
• Provides summaries of laboratory activity on a monthly or quarterly basis.
• Monitors case age, assignments, and status of requests within the section.
• Assigns casework to personnel and may conduct staff meetings.
• Coordinates the annual testimony survey of laboratory staff.
• Evaluates replacement of equipment as needed.
• Attends work regularly and observes approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science, Chemical Engineering, or Forensic Science, including a minimum of sixteen-semester credit hours (or equivalent) in college-level chemistry coursework above general coursework.
  • Forensic science programs must be either FEPAC-accredited or meet the minimum curriculum requirements pertaining to natural science core courses and specialized science courses set forth in the FEPAC Accreditation Standards.
• A minimum of four (4) years of progressively complex work experience in a forensic laboratory in the field of Drug Analysis.
• Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.
• Must obtain a forensic analyst license from the Texas Forensic Science Commission, following the completion of training, if required by the Code of Criminal Procedure. This applies to the following forensic disciplines:
  • Firearms/Toolmarks (Option B)
  • Seized Drugs (Option C)
  • CODIS (Option D)
  • Toxicology (Option E)
  • Biology/DNA (Option F)
• A college-level statistics course is required for new hire licensing. If the applicant for Firearms & Toolmarks (Option B), Seized Drugs (Option C), and Toxicology (Option E) has not passed a college-level statistics course, they must take, pass, and provide official transcripts of a college-level statistics course from an accredited university or a program approved by the Forensic Science Commission (FSC), at personal expense, within one hundred eighty (180) days of starting employment.
• An applicant for CODIS or Biology/DNA (Options D and F) must have successfully completed the course prior to application.
• Prior to employment, must provide documentation from a physician of:
  • Visual acuity
  • Color vision acuity for Friction Ridge, Firearms/Toolmarks, Seized Drugs, Trace Evidence, Biology/DNA, and CODIS

  All acuity testing must have occurred prior to and within six (6) months of the start date.

Skills

• Regulatory Knowledge: Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State and Federal regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Supervisory/Managerial/Leadership Skills: Knowledge of management and supervisory methods and principles, performance and productivity standards, and fiscal/budget management. Able to develop plans, policies, and procedures for efficient workflow and overall effectiveness. Must exhibit integrity; provide clear direction to subordinates; promote teamwork; and motivate others to accomplish goals.
• Forensic Science: Thorough knowledge of principles, techniques, and procedures of related forensic science discipline and understanding of identification principles. Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hazardous chemicals and proper evidence handling procedures. Skill in use of laboratory equipment and materials. Ability to:
  • Coordinate the handling of evidence between sections
  • Recommend improvements in methodology and equipment to management
  • Communicate findings, orally and in writing, in a clear, concise, and effective manner
  • Conduct microscopic examinations requiring accuracy and concentration when relevant
  • Conduct testing used in examination of evidence
  • Testify in court as an expert witness
• Interpersonal Skills: Must demonstrate an ability to exercise poise, tact, diplomacy, and establish and maintain positive, working/professional relationships with internal/external customers. Ability to work effectively with laboratory, legal, and law enforcement personnel.
• Organizational and Prioritization Skills: Must be organized, flexible, and able to effectively prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment; able to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy, timeliness, or professionalism.
• Presentation/Communication Skills: Must be able to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.
• Research and Comprehension: Must demonstrate ability to quickly and efficiently access relevant information and utilize and/or present research and conclusions in a clear and concise manner.
• Analytical Reasoning: Must demonstrate an ability to examine data/information, discern variations/similarities, identify trends, relationships, and causal factors, as well as grasp issues, draw accurate conclusions, and solve problems.
• Technology: Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Confidentiality and Protected Information: Must demonstrate an ability to responsibly handle sensitive and confidential information and situations, and adhere to applicable laws/statutes/policies related to access, maintenance, and dissemination of information.
• Safety: Must be able to work in a safe manner at all times, avoiding shortcuts that have potential adverse results/risks, and must comply with safety standards and best practices.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Environment: Office/Indoors, Vehicle, Laboratory
• Ambulatory skills, e.g., stand, walk, sit
• Hand-eye coordination and arm/hand/finger dexterity
• Ability to speak, hear, and exercise visual acuity to perceive minute differences/details, and to withstand the strain of continued close work
• Stereoscopic vision sufficient to perform detailed work
• Ability to transfer weights of thirty (30) pounds anticipated for this position
• Driving requirements: Occasional short trips 1-2x/month

Availability for after-hour and weekend work may be required.

Benefits

• A DPS employee who is selected for a position in the same salary group and state title as their current position will be transferred with no salary change.
• A DPS employee who is selected for a position in their current salary group with a new state title may receive an increase of no more than 3.4% over their current salary regardless of posted salary.
• Salary is contingent upon qualifications and is subject to salary administration and budgetary restrictions.