CPS Family Based Safety Services Worker

Overview

After a family has been investigated, a Family Based Safety Services (FBSS) worker helps families make changes to protect their children from abuse and neglect and keep them safe at home.

Newly hired employees holding a Master’s degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire.

• Respond quickly in crisis situations, providing time‑limited in‑home services to meet families’ specific needs by identifying insufficient protective capacities, developing treatment plans, and using appropriate resources to minimize risk and ensure child safety; maintain contact with parents and children to achieve treatment goals.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from the family if appropriate.
• Interact objectively with caretakers who have abused or neglected children, discussing sensitive issues such as income, money management, and personal relationships.
• Encounter family members who are angry or scared and help them identify available resources and community support.
• Assist parents in recognizing behaviors that lead to child abuse or neglect and empower them to make necessary behavioral changes.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, working with families to identify safe placement, testifying in court for protective services, placing children in substitute care, or referring to crisis intervention therapy and community resources.
• Gather family and kinship information to support child placement when necessary.
• Document all relevant information gathered during investigations and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Work flexible hours beyond 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday‑Friday.
• Maintain objectivity and empathic understanding when engaging families in stressful and crisis situations.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
• Attend and participate in trainings, meetings, and staffings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and stakeholders.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policies.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Problem‑solving techniques.
• Proficiency with personal computer operations.
• Ability to travel and attend child and family visits, as well as other appointments after 5 p.m.
• Availability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Capacity to work in an emotionally charged environment, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas.

• Use of personal motor vehicle to complete job functions; reliable vehicle with acceptable driving record for the past five years and a current valid Texas driver’s license.
• Educational requirement varies by worker level (I‑IV): accredited Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus required years of relevant work experience.

• Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Education, or Public Health.
• Previous professional or volunteer experience in a government agency, nonprofit, child protection, foster care, juvenile justice, mental health, or substance abuse services.
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed care or experience conducting interviews or assessments with children and families.