CPS Investigation Worker Trainee
A Child Protective Services Caseworker - <a href=" http://www.hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/" target=_blank>SAO CPS Spec I</a>.
Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They have the difficult task of figuring out what happened and predicting what will happen in the future. CPS receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
A CPS investigation includes interviewing and gathering information to see if abuse or neglect happened and if intervention is necessary. The investigator considers both risk and safety issues, and may recommend services for the child and family to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect.
To explore more of what Investigation Specialists do, click <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/CPS/cps_investigator.asp" target=_blank>here</a>.
To view a realistic online video about Child Protective Services workers and clients, please click <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/CPS/working_at_cps.asp" target=_blank>here</a>.
You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.
WHY WORK FOR DFPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/mission.asp" target=_blank>Mission, Vision, & Values</a> in service to the <a href="http://osd.texas.gov" target=_blank>27 million citizens</a> of Texas.
DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the <a href="https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service" target=_blank>Service Loan Forgiveness Program</a>, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Health-Benefits" target=_blank>excellent health benefits</a>, special discounts on many products and services through the <a href="http://www.beneplace.com/home.jsp?Client_UserId=7195457" target=_blank>Discount Purchase Program</a>, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Retirement" target=_blank>Employees Retirement System</a> of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.
Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Work may qualify for an increase at the point of hire.
Job Description:
· Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation. Sometimes these situations can be dangerous.
· Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation. Sometimes these situations can be dangerous.
· Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to children to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and conducts assessments to determine the current or future risk of harm to children.
· Observes children for signs of any harm and assess the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect. This could involve children with serious injuries and child fatalities.
· Interviews people in the case such as the parents, caregivers, person who reports the concern, family members, and others familiar with the family situation. This may include medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, etc.
· Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate. This could include removing a child from their family.
· Talks frankly and objectively with families about matters they may consider personal and private, such as parenting decisions and actions, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.
· Determines action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include working with families to identify family members who can assist with keeping the child safe, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources.
· Documents all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation and completes all required forms accurately and in a timely manner.
· Gathers family and kinship information to support the child in a placement, should the child be placed in DFPS custody.
· Participates in a regular on-call rotation that requires response to situations of abuse/neglect after normal business hours including overnight and weekend.
· Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and the community.
· Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours.
· Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathy for families living in stressful and crisis situations.
· Attends and participates in training/meetings/staffings.
· Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
· Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
· Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Child Protective Services Specialist I: An 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 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
Child Protective Services Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Protective Services Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Protective Services Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.