Director, Principle Data Architect

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) 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. CPI receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

The position, under the direction of a child placement supervisor, performs advanced social work related to protective services, intake, child abuse or neglect, assessment, Alternative Response, foster care and adoptions. Work involves making determinations of appropriate actions necessary to resolve family emotional and/or physical stress situations which cause child abuse or neglect. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services 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 an increase at the point of hire.

A Child Protective Investigations Alternative Response Specialist

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 Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas.

DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System 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.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE :

To explore more of what Child Protective Investigations Specialist do, click here.

To view a realistic online video about Child Protective Investigations workers and clients, please click here.

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.

Essential Job Functions:

• Determines the causes/factors of abuse/neglect to children 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 and works with the family to determine strengths, needs and action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include 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 contact, 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, Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources, to achieve a positive outcome.
• 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 among families, coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• 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.