CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Abilene, TX

37d

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They have the difficult task of figuring out what happened and predicting what will happen in the future. CPI receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, every day of the year.The position, under the direction of a child placement supervisor, performs advanced social work related to protective services, intake, child abuse or neglect, assessment, Alternative Response, foster care and adoptions. Work involves making determinations of appropriate actions necessary to resolve family emotional and/or physical stress situations which cause child abuse or neglect. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, clients, representatives from various organizations, community resources, and the general public. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Worker may qualify for an increase at the point of hire. DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

Requirements

Knowledge of child development.
Knowledge of family dynamics.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of extensive engagement strategies.
Knowledge of Child Protective Services policy and procedures.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to work with other professionals in the community.
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and 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. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist II: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Investigations Alternative Response Specialist III: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Investigations Alternative Response Specialist IV: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience. Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations. Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Social Work, Human Services (Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice such as parole/probation or related fields.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience/education.

Responsibilities

Determines the causes/factors of abuse/neglect to children to assess current or future risk to children by gathering information from parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from other sources.
Collaborates and works with the family to determine strengths, needs and action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include referring family for crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, and placing children in substitute care.
Enters contact, documentation information and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships between families, Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources, to achieve a positive outcome.
Attends and participates in training/meetings/staffings.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among families, coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
excellent health benefits
special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
longevity pay
generous paid leave
access to the Wellness program
lifetime retirement annuity
Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas
DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization
opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation