CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • SAN ANGELO, TX

6d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Alternative Response Worker Trainee to help protect children and strengthen families. The role responds to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, 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 position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I through IV, with starting salary potentially based on education and experience.

This is a mobile, field-based position rather than a traditional office or work-from-home job. Work takes place where children and families live, learn, and receive services, including homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. Employees may also be required to work from an office when directed by a supervisor. The role involves regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners, and requires independent work while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit.

The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Investigators interview children and families, coordinate with community professionals, respond to urgent safety concerns, manage multiple active cases and competing demands, and complete extensive documentation. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, or unsafe or unsanitary environments.

Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs, not a traditional 8-to-5 workday. 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 unexpected long-distance trips, travel outside assigned counties, and some overnight travel. The posting describes travel as up to 85%, and states that workers can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time.

The listed salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41 per month. Eligible newly hired investigative-position employees may receive an additional $416.66 monthly increase beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated conditions. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement, with opportunities for additional compensation.

Requirements

• For Specialist I, 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.
• For Specialist II, the stated education and experience qualifications for Specialist I, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I for nine months and Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior qualifying Specialist II employment with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• For Specialist III, the stated education and experience qualifications, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist II for nine months and Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior qualifying Specialist III employment with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• For Specialist IV, the stated education and experience qualifications, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist III for 24 months and Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior qualifying Specialist IV employment with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Relevant work experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
• 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.
• Must use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions and have a reliable motor vehicle, an acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.
• Must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Must be prepared for field work, frequent travel, schedule changes, after-hours responses, and work with families and children in challenging circumstances.

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, such as parole or probation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience or education.

Responsibilities

• Determine causes and factors of child abuse or neglect and assess current or future risk by gathering information from parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environments; and obtaining information from other sources.
• Collaborate with families to identify strengths, needs, and actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including referrals to crisis intervention therapy or community resources.
• Testify in court to seek emergency protective services and place children in substitute care when needed.
• Enter contact information, documentation, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within agency time frames.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with families, CPS staff, law enforcement and 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 appropriate 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 on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• DFPS Certification Program with professional development and opportunities to earn additional compensation.
• Eligible investigative-position employees may receive a $416.66 monthly increase, subject to tenure and position conditions.

What This Job Offers

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