CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee
Listed on 2026-07-15
-
Social Work
Family Advocacy & Support Services, Human Services/ Social Work, Child Development/Support, Child Protection
Career Opportunities: CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee (18453)
Posting
Posted: 06/29/2026
Department:
Department of Family & Protective Services
Region: CPS Investigations Region 4
Occupational Category:
Protective Services
Telework:
Not Eligible
Salary Range: $3,816.65 – $5,372.41 per month
Shift: Day;
Travel:
Up to 75%;
Full Time
Location City:
Athens;
Address: 420 Athens Brick Rd
- 100% paid health insurance for you, 50% paid for eligible family members
- Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of service, plus 401(k) and 457 options
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave (paid time off)
- Optional dental, vision and life insurance at lower rates than private plans
- Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care
- Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics and entertainment
Job Description
Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. The position reports to a child placement supervisor and performs advanced social work related to protective services, intake, assessment, Alternative Response, foster care, and adoptions. Responsibilities include making determinations to resolve family emotional or physical stress situations that cause child abuse or neglect, interacting routinely with DFPS staff, clients, representatives from various organizations, community resources, and the general public.
Newly hired employees holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work may qualify for a salary increase at hire.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)- Determines causes/factors of abuse/neglect 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 with the family to determine strengths, needs and actions to remove or reduce immediate threat to child safety, including 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 contacts, 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, CPS staff, law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
- Attends and participates in training, meetings and staffing sessions.
- Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
- Promotes respect for cultural diversity among families, coworkers and all contacts.
- Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Skills and Abilities
(KSAs)
- Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, community resources, engagement strategies and CPS policy and procedures.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, verbal and written communication.
- Ability to operate a personal computer, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines, and work with other professionals in the community.
Requires use of a personal motor vehicle. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and a valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and load.
Initial Screening Criteria- Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist I:
Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR accredited Associate’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus 2 years experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus 1 year experience. Example experience in social/human protective services. - Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist II:
Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR accredited Associate’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus 2 years experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus 1 year experience. Must have served as Specialist I for 9 months and received Specialist Certification, or be currently employed as Specialist…
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