The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has jobs in two programs under Child Protection. They are:
Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Jobs
Child Protective Services 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. CPI receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, every day of the year.
A CPI 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.
What jobs are available at CPI?
Child Protective Services (CPS) Jobs
Abuse and neglect is a huge problem that affects the lives of tens of thousands of children in Texas each year. Every day in communities across Texas, thousands of CPS employees work to protect the safety and well-being of our state's children.
CPS offers a rewarding career that gives you the opportunity to work with children and their families to make their homes a safe place to thrive. In the small percentage of cases where that's not possible, CPS finds other safe places for children to live. This can be with relatives, in foster care, or in adoptive homes.
What jobs are available at CPS?
Why CPS Caseworkers Love Their Jobs
Job Preview Video: Working for Child Protective Services
Working for CPS - Watch caseworkers in action in this in-depth look at the jobs of the five types CPS caseworkers, and what it takes to be successful. You'll learn about the challenges and rewards of these important jobs directly from real caseworkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree?
For a Human Service Technician, a college degree is not required.
For all CPI and CPS caseworker positions, a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Commensurate combination of education and experience can be substituted.
What would my salary be?
The starting salary range for a Human Services Technician is $2,325.83 to $3,297.58 per month and is based on your experience and qualifications.
The starting salary range for CPI and CPS caseworker positions is $3816.65 to $4,587.08 per month and is based on your experience and qualifications.
State employees receive more than just base salary. The State also offers a wide variety of benefits. Those benefits, combined with base salary, form the total compensation package for state employees. The State’s total compensation package, with an average value of $78,146, or $37.57 per hour, consists of direct compensation, or wages paid to employees in exchange for work, and indirect compensation, which consists of quantifiable benefits.
Will I get training on what to do?
Yes! You will get lots of great training before beginning your job, including on-the-job training. When you visit clients on your own, you will have the support of your co-workers and supervisor any time you need it.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes! You will receive ongoing training to prepare you to advance in your career with CPI and CPS. DFPS employees are highly encouraged to seek certification, as certification strengthens staff credibility and offers opportunity for salary increases. Each DFPS caseworker position has specific training requirements. Your career plan provides you with training and course requirements for each level of certification. Start preparing for advancement from your first day at DFPS!