CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Amarillo, TX

5d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works with families and communities to protect children and vulnerable adults through investigations, services, and referrals. Child Protective Investigations (CPI), Family Investigations and Alternative Response (FIAR) 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. The role may be filled at the level of 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—not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Most 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 directed to work from an office. The work requires regular face-to-face contact and independent work using mobile technology while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit. Investigators interview children and families, coordinate with community professionals, respond to urgent safety concerns, and complete extensive documentation. They must assess and act on substantial amounts of information while balancing active cases, safety concerns, court obligations, deadlines, and competing demands. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and unsanitary, isolated, or potentially unsafe environments. Professionalism, objectivity, compassion, sound judgment, and flexibility are essential. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs rather than a standard 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 potentially unexpected long-distance trips across the state. The role typically involves being on the road about 60% of the time, frequent travel within and outside the assigned region, and some overnight travel, particularly during initial training and as cases demand. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement, with opportunities for additional compensation. Eligible investigative hires may receive a $416.66 monthly increase beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility conditions. Newly hired employees with a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at hire. The posted salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41 per month. The position is full-time, regular, nonexempt, day shift, based in Amarillo, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. Travel is listed as up to 75%.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated education and relevant-work-experience pathways: 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 experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II–IV levels, meet the stated applicable prior DFPS position, tenure, and Child Protective Services certification criteria for that level.
Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, extensive engagement strategies, and CPS 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 community professionals.
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.
Be prepared for frequent travel, after-hours responses, extended workdays, and weekend and holiday work as required by child and family safety needs.
Meet the described physical requirements, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; and the stated lifting/force requirements.

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, criminal justice, parole/probation, or related fields.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience or education.

Responsibilities

Determine causes or 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 the home environment; 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, court testimony to seek emergency protective services, and placement of children in substitute care when needed.
Enter contact information, documentation, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with families, CPS staff, law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources to achieve positive outcomes.
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% 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 with opportunities to earn additional compensation.
Eligible investigative hires may receive a $416.66 monthly increase, subject to tenure and position conditions.
Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at hire.
Eligible newly hired DFPS employees will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.