CPI Alternative Response Specialist Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Galveston, TX

11d•$3,619 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Alternative Response Specialist Trainee works in Child Protective Investigations, Family Investigations and Alternative Response to respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect. The specialist gathers and assesses information, evaluates child safety and future risk, and works with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The role involves significant responsibility and requires sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to make decisions under pressure while managing multiple cases and documentation requirements. This is a mobile, field-based position, not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Most work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office work as directed by a supervisor. The position requires regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners. Travel is frequent, may be unexpected or long-distance, and includes some overnight travel. The posting estimates travel at up to 85% and also describes being on the road about 60% of the time. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekend work, and holiday work are common; investigators may need to remain on duty until a child's safety is assured. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and potentially unsafe or adverse environments. Specialists are expected to remain professional, objective, and compassionate. The position is listed as full-time, regular, nonexempt, and day shift, based in Galveston, Texas. The salary range is $3,618.65–$5,372.41 per month. Newly hired employees with a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at hire. Eligible investigative employees may receive a $416.66 monthly increase after the stated tenure requirements. The position uses the employee's personal motor vehicle; eligible newly hired DFPS employees are assigned a cellular phone. The role may be filled at Specialist I through Specialist IV levels, with starting salary potentially based on education and experience.

Requirements

Meet the Specialist I initial screening criteria through one of the following: an accredited bachelor's degree; an accredited associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience; 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience; or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience.
Relevant work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services through agencies or communities serving families or other at-risk populations.
Have a reliable personal motor vehicle and an acceptable driving record for the past five years.
Hold a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Demonstrate knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, extensive engagement strategies, and Child Protective Services policies and procedures.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Operate a personal computer, handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work with other community professionals.
Be able to work independently while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit.
Be prepared for frequent travel, including travel outside assigned counties, occasional overnight travel, and travel with little advance notice.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver-record check.
Meet the described physical and visual requirements, with reasonable accommodations possible: frequently stand, hear, and talk; occasionally climb; exert up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently; and meet the stated visual requirements.

Nice To Haves

A degree in Social Work, Human Services (including Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice fields, such as parole or probation.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience or education.
A Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify a newly hired employee for an increase at the point of hire.

Responsibilities

Determine causes and factors of alleged child abuse or neglect and assess current or future child safety risks by gathering information from parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environments; and obtaining relevant information from other sources.
Work with families to identify strengths, needs, and actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety.
Refer families to crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, testify in court to seek emergency protective services, and place children in substitute care when appropriate.
Enter contacts, documentation, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
Maintain effective working relationships with families, CPS staff, law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among families, coworkers, and work-related contacts.
Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Respond to child and family safety needs in the field, including after-hours, weekend, holiday, and urgent situations as required.
Travel frequently to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight and last-minute travel.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save through 401(k) and 457 plans.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
A $416.66 monthly increase for eligible investigative-position employees after applicable tenure requirements.
Eligible newly hired DFPS employees may be assigned a cellular phone.