CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee

Career Opportunities: CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee (17866)

Posting  
17866 – Posted •
Dept of Family & Protectve Svc •
CPS Investigations Region 7 •
Protective Services •
Not Eligible for Telework • $3000 - $4999 per month

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.

• 100% paid health insurance for you, 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 options
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – time off you are paid for
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance – at rates lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

Functional

Title:

CPI Alternative Response Worker Trainee
Job Title: CPI Alt Response Spec Trainee
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: CPS Investigations Region 7
Posting Number: 17866
Closing Date: 07/10/2026
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: None
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 85%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Job Location: BURNET, 1104 BUCHANAN DR STE 2

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigate reports of child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Under the direction of a child placement supervisor, the position performs advanced social work related to protective services, intake, child abuse or neglect, assessment, Alternative Response, foster care, and adoptions. The role involves determining appropriate actions to resolve family stress situations, interacting with DFPS staff, clients, and community resources, and maintaining documentation in the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System.

• Determine causes/factors of abuse or neglect and assess current or future risk, gathering information from parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environment; gathering pertinent information from other sources.
• Collaborate with families to determine strengths, needs, and actions to reduce an immediate threat to child safety, including referrals for crisis intervention therapy or other community resources, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, and placing children in substitute care.
• Enter contact, documentation information, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships between families, Child Protective Services staff, law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffing sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among families, coworkers, and all work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of extensive engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Services policy and procedures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with other professionals in the community.

• Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR accredited associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90…