CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Midland, TX

1d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Worker 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. The position may be filled at the level of Alternative Response Specialist I through IV, with starting salary influenced by 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, or receive services, including homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. Employees use mobile technology and may also work from an office when directed. The role requires independent work while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit. The work involves frequent face-to-face contact, extensive documentation, coordination with families and community professionals, and decisions under pressure. Investigators manage multiple active cases and urgent safety concerns amid a fast-paced, unpredictable workload. The job can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and potentially unsafe or unsanitary environments. Schedules are determined by the safety needs of children and families. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekends, and holidays are common, and investigators may need to remain on duty until a child's safety is assured. Significant travel is required, including occasional unexpected long-distance and overnight travel. The position requires use of the employee's personal motor vehicle, a reliable vehicle, an acceptable driving record, and a current valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and its load. DFPS offers a certification program for professional development and career advancement. Employees in eligible positions may receive a DFPS-issued cellular phone. Newly hired employees with a master's degree in social work may qualify for an increase at hire. Investigative-position hires are eligible for an additional $416.66 monthly increase, generally beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated conditions.

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. Relevant experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
A reliable personal motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years.
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.
Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, engagement strategies, and Child Protective Services policy 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.
Ability to make informed decisions under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, manage competing demands, and complete thorough and timely documentation.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Specialist II, III, and IV levels have additional DFPS employment and certification eligibility criteria specified in the posting.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Determine causes and factors related to alleged child abuse or neglect and assess current or future risk by gathering information, interviewing and examining children, assessing home environments, and consulting other sources.
Work with families to identify strengths, needs, and actions to address immediate threats to child safety, including referrals to crisis intervention therapy or community resources, seeking emergency protective services through court, and placing 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.
Develop 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 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.
Respond to child and family safety needs in the field, including after-hours, weekend, holiday, and urgent situations.
Travel to homes, offices, and other locations within and outside the assigned region, including occasional overnight travel.

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 401(k) and 457 savings 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 items and services such as gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and an opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Eligible newly hired employees may receive a DFPS cellular phone.
Eligible investigative-position hires may receive an additional $416.66 monthly increase, subject to tenure and position conditions.