CPI Alternative Response Specialist Trainee

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
  —at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  CPI Alternative Response Specialist Trainee
• Job Title:
  
  CPI Alt Response Spec Trainee
• Agency:
  Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
• Department: CPS Investigations Region 11
• Posting Number: 21675
• Closing Date: 10/02/2026
• Posting Audience:
  Internal and External
• Occupational Category:
  Protective Services
• Salary Range: $3,816.65-$5,372.41
• Pay Frequency:
  Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift:
• Telework:
  Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel:
  Up to 85%
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
  Nonexempt
• Facility
  
  Location:
• Job Location City: ARANSAS PASS
• Job Location Address: 524 S COMMERCIAL ST
• Other Locations:
• MOS Codes: ,,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP
  12

Child Protective Investigations (CPI), Family Investigations and Alternative Response (FIAR) Investigators play a critical role in protecting children and strengthening 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. They are responsible for making informed decisions that can significantly impact the lives of children and families.

This is a mobile, field-based position where the work occurs where children and families live, learn, and receive services. Investigators spend much of their time in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. This is not a traditional office job and is not a work-from-home position. The core responsibilities of the job require regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners.

While technology supports the work, the work itself happens in the field. Employees may also be required to work from an office location when directed by their supervisor.

The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. A typical day may involve interviewing children and families, coordinating with schools, medical professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, and courts, responding…