What is a CPS Investigator? Child Protective Services investigators receive and investigate reports of alleged child abuse and neglect. Basically, CPS investigators have the difficult tasks of figuring out what has happened and predicting what will happen. Reports of alleged child abuse and neglect are received and investigated by Child Protective Services 24 hours per day. The investigation includes conducting interviews and gathering information about the report in order to determine the degree of intervention necessary. The investigator will assess risk and safety and may recommend services for the child and family, which will help reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect. The purpose of conducting an investigation is to determine if a child can safely live with his or her family, whether abuse or neglect has occurred, whether other children in the family are also victims of abuse or neglect, whether there is a risk for future abuse or neglect, and to develop a plan, if needed, to keep the child safe. Sounds good, but what kinds of things will I really be doing?
Do I have to have a degree? Yes, to be a caseworker you must have a four-year bachelors degree. It doesn’t have to be specifically a social work or human services degree, but those are preferred. What would my salary be? This position may be filled at any level from a CPS Specialist II to a CPS Specialist IV. The starting salary range is $2,644.08 to $2,970.91 per month and will be based on the qualifications of the selected applicant. Applicants selected for this position are also eligible to receive a $5000 yearly stipend in addition to base salary. Once employed, the incumbent must remain in an identified investigative position to continue to receive this additional pay. I think I could do this job, but will I get specifically trained on what to do? YES! You will have lots of great training before beginning your job. Though you will be doing visits to clients on your own you will have ongoing support from 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 for career progression. There are various levels of certification. For more information about certification go to http://www2.uta.edu/ssw/ccw/psti/fps.html Condition of Employment Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Motor Vehicle Operator's License. CPS will also request a Criminal Background Check and CPS History check on all applicants. |
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