Child Protective Services Alternative Response Worker

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.

Job Requirements:

• 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.

This position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

 Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.

·        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.