CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

4d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Alternative Response Worker Trainee to help protect children and strengthen families. Investigators respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gather and assess information, evaluate child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm.

This is a mobile, field-based position, not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Work takes place at homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office attendance when directed by a supervisor. The position requires regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners, along with independent work and responsiveness to supervision and the assigned unit.

Investigators interview children and families, coordinate with professionals and community partners, respond to urgent safety concerns, manage multiple active cases, and complete extensive documentation. The work requires sound judgment, flexibility, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and the ability to maintain accurate and timely records amid a fast-paced, unpredictable workload. Investigators may encounter crisis situations, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and unsafe or unsanitary environments. They are expected to remain professional, objective, and compassionate.

Schedules are driven by the safety needs of children and families. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekends, holidays, and remaining on duty until a child's safety is assured are common. Significant travel is required, including possible last-minute and long-distance trips outside the assigned region, and some overnight travel. The posting estimates travel at up to 85%, and also describes being on the road about 60% of the time. This position is regular, full-time, nonexempt, day shift, and not eligible for telework. It is based in Austin, Texas, and may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I through IV. Salary is listed as $3,816.65–$5,372.41 per month, with a possible additional $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase after the applicable eligibility period. Newly hired employees with a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at hire.

DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement. Eligible newly hired employees may receive an assigned agency cellular phone. The position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle for job duties.

Requirements

• Meet the applicable initial screening criteria for the level considered: an accredited bachelor's degree; or an accredited associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience; or 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 experience includes paid or volunteer social, human, or protective services work with families or other at-risk populations.
• For Specialist II consideration, also meet the stated internal progression or prior DFPS Specialist II employment and certification criteria.
• For Specialist III consideration, also meet the stated internal progression or prior DFPS Specialist III employment and certification criteria.
• For Specialist IV consideration, also meet the stated internal progression or prior DFPS Specialist IV employment and certification criteria.
• 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.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, extensive engagement strategies, and Child Protective Services policies and procedures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to operate a personal computer, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines, and work with other professionals in the community.
• Ability to travel frequently, adjust plans, and respond to work needs across and outside the assigned region, including some overnight travel.
• Ability to work extended days and respond after hours, on weekends, and on holidays as required by child and family safety needs.
• Ability to work independently while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit.
• Ability to meet the stated physical and environmental requirements, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

• 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, including 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

• Gather information from parents, family members, children, and other sources; interview and examine children; assess home environments; and determine factors contributing to child abuse or neglect and current or future risk.
• Collaborate 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 needed.
• Enter contacts, documentation, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
• Build and 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.

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 at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• 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 opportunities to earn additional compensation.
• Eligible newly hired employees in assigned positions receive a DFPS cellular phone.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree