CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Nacogdoches, TX

4d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee 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. This role involves making informed decisions that can significantly affect children and families. This is a mobile, field-based position—not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Most work takes place in locations such as homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community settings, with regular face-to-face contact. Employees may also be directed to work from an office. The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to manage changing circumstances, multiple cases, urgent safety concerns, court obligations, and extensive documentation. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter families in crisis and environments that are unsanitary, isolated, or potentially unsafe. Work schedules are driven by child and family safety needs; extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekends, and holidays are common. Significant travel is required, including occasional unexpected long-distance and overnight trips. The position is expected to be on the road about 60% of the time and may require travel outside assigned counties or regions. The position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I through IV. Education and experience may affect starting salary. 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 conditions described in the posting. DFPS offers a certification program for professional development and potential additional compensation. The role uses mobile technology, such as a tablet, and eligible new DFPS employees receive an agency cellular phone.

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.
For Specialist II, the Specialist I education and experience criteria, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I for nine months and Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or qualifying current or prior employment as a Specialist II with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist III, the Specialist I education and experience criteria, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist II for nine months and Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or qualifying current or prior employment as a Specialist III with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist IV, the Specialist I education and experience criteria, plus employment as a Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist III for 24 months and Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or qualifying current or prior employment as a Specialist IV with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, extensive 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, meet deadlines, and work with other community professionals.
Use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Reliable motor vehicle, acceptable driving record for the past five years, and 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 and willingness to travel frequently, including outside assigned counties or regions, sometimes with little notice; some overnight travel is required.
Ability to work extended days and respond after hours, on weekends, and on holidays as child and family safety needs require.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Ability to meet the stated physical and visual requirements, with reasonable accommodations possible.

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.
A Master’s degree in Social Work may qualify a newly hired employee for an increase at the point of hire.

Responsibilities

Determine causes and factors of child abuse or neglect and assess current or future risk by gathering information from parents, family members, children, and other sources; interviewing and examining children; and assessing home environments.
Collaborate with families to identify strengths, needs, and actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety.
Refer families to crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, seek emergency protective services through court testimony, and place 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 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 urgent child-safety needs and complete required case documentation, including during extended workdays or after-hours situations.
Travel to homes, offices, and other locations within and outside the assigned region as required.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid health insurance for eligible family members.
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, with options to contribute to 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 through professional development.
Additional monthly increase of $416.66 for eligible investigative-position hires, subject to the stated tenure and position conditions.
Potential salary increase at hire for newly hired employees with a Master’s degree in Social Work.