CPI Alternative Response Supervisor I/II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

7d • $5,425 - $8,886 • Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Alternative Response Supervisor performs senior-level consultative, technical assistance, and supervisory work. The position manages administrative staff and a unit of caseworkers responsible for Child Protective Investigations (CPI) and Alternative Response (AR) cases. The supervisor provides case consultations and monitors case status using data warehouse reports to identify trends and patterns related to risk and child safety. The role selects, hires, manages, and develops staff through performance reviews, individual conferences, case readings, reports, field visits, and unit meetings to ensure productivity and compliance with policy, procedures, and service-control requirements.

The supervisor analyzes CPI cases and helps design, implement, and monitor improvements addressing child safety. They provide subject-matter expertise and guidance to staff and stakeholders, and make critical decisions concerning child protection. The position consults with program leadership, regional and state management, caseworkers, and external stakeholders on complex, high-profile, and sensitive cases, and prioritizes time-sensitive reports. This is a fast-paced role involving daily child-safety assessments and decision-making, with regular on-call duties that may include holidays and weekends. The supervisor oversees the unit in accordance with the Child Protective Services Handbook, Title III of the Texas Family Code, and applicable minimum standards. The role routinely interacts with clients, judges, attorneys, child advocacy centers, medical and school personnel, and others involved in investigations. Work is performed under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position is based in San Antonio, Texas, is not eligible for telework, and requires travel of up to 25%. It may be filled at the CPS Supervisor I or II level.

Requirements

• For CPS Supervisor I: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of full-time experience in Child Protective Services or child placement services in a public social services agency; or 60 accredited college credit hours and four years of CPI/CPS casework experience; or 90 accredited college credit hours and three and a half years of CPI/CPS casework experience; or current employment as a CPS Supervisor I in Family and Protective Services.
• For CPS Supervisor II: Completion of Phase I Child Protective Services Specialist Certification and Child Protective Services Supervisor Certification; or current employment as a CPS Supervisor II in Family and Protective Services; or current employment in a higher-level Family and Protective Services CPS management position with prior experience as a CPS Supervisor in Family and Protective Services; or previous employment as a CPS Supervisor II.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the investigations and alternative response program.
• Specialized knowledge of the investigations and alternative response program and child welfare practice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and use various software packages.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and professions.
• Ability to represent Child Protective Investigations effectively with key stakeholders.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• State employees must complete related cybersecurity training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies.
• Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for creating accessible electronic information resources.
• Employees must provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services (such as Psychology, Sociology, Child and Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
• Two years of experience investigating child abuse or neglect, including experience with out-of-state investigative agencies.
• Favorable casework data or performance history as an investigator.
• Demonstrated success developing people through teaching, training, or serving as a CPI Mentor.
• Prior leadership experience in a performance-based field.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, direct, and staff daily case actions involving safety, risk, and permanency; ensure timely family contact and ongoing child-safety assessment; review case records and documentation; evaluate unit performance and timely completion of safety assessments and reassessments; ensure appropriate community referrals; review cases submitted for closure; and consult program leadership when danger indicators or high-risk factors remain unresolved.
• Implement program guidelines and perform staff administrative functions; hold unit meetings; review abuse and neglect intakes routed to the unit; provide case consultation; ensure timely family contact; ensure staff time and leave are entered in CAPPS; oversee and manage staff overtime; and train staff on policy, procedures, productivity, quality, operations, and CPI updates.
• Interview, select, hire, manage, and develop staff through field visits, performance-data reviews, monthly conferences, training, and performance appraisals; evaluate unit compliance through case readings, computer reports, and observation; and support staff development so they can engage, support, and empower families.
• Interpret program policies and procedures for staff, families, children, caregivers, volunteers, advocates, judges, educators, juvenile justice representatives, other stakeholders, and the public; maintain effective working relationships; and represent the program at meetings, conferences, workgroups, hearings, and other events.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to maintain unit operations.
• Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid 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 on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior