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) 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. This position may be filled at any level from Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I through IV. Starting salary may vary based on education and experience. The posted salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41 per month, with an additional $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility and continued-placement conditions. Newly hired employees with a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at hire. This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home position. Investigators work primarily in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office attendance when directed. The work 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. Mobile technology, such as a tablet, supports work away from the office; eligible new employees are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Work includes interviewing children and families, coordinating with professionals and community partners, responding to urgent safety concerns, and completing extensive documentation while managing multiple active cases and competing demands. Investigators must make informed decisions under pressure and maintain thorough, timely records. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and difficult or potentially unsafe environments. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs rather than 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 long-distance and last-minute trips outside assigned counties or regions. The posting estimates being on the road about 60% of the time and notes that some overnight travel is required, particularly during initial training and as cases demand. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development, skill-building, and career advancement. The position requires a reliable personal 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. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license. Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

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 work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services through agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II, III, or IV, the posting lists the same qualifying education and relevant-work-experience alternatives as for Specialist I, plus the respective prior DFPS Specialist employment, tenure, and certification criteria described in the posting.
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.
Reliable personal motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years.
Current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load; proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided.
Ability to meet the demands of field-based work, including significant travel, schedule flexibility, urgent responses, and work in challenging or potentially unsafe environments.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

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 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 relevant information from other sources.
Collaborate with families to identify strengths, needs, and actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to a child's safety, including referrals for crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, seeking emergency protective services in court, and placing children in substitute care.
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 and 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 respect for cultural diversity among families, coworkers, and work-related contacts.
Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm.
Conduct field work and face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners; respond to urgent safety concerns and coordinate with relevant professionals.
Manage multiple active cases, competing demands, court obligations, and extensive documentation; adjust work plans and respond to emerging situations as needed.

Benefits

100% 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, with additional savings options 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 offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Additional $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase, subject to the stated eligibility and tenure conditions.
Potential hiring increase for newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work.