CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Position Overview

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigator Trainee Spec I – Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, CPS Investigations Region 3E.

As a full‑time employee, you receive the following benefits:

• 100% paid health insurance for you and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conduct forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to determine if harm occurred and assess current or future risk.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess those signs for abuse or neglect.
• Interview people in the case such as parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and professionals involved.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from the family if appropriate.
• Communicate frankly and objectively with families about sensitive matters.
• Determine actions to reduce immediate threats to child safety, work with families, and seek emergency protective services.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Gather family and kinship information to support a placement in DFPS custody if needed.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation after normal business hours, including overnight and weekends.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and the community.
• Work under constant deadlines, prioritizing tasks and maintaining flexibility.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy for families in crisis.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competence among coworkers and all contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Computer operation skills.
• Travel and attend child and family visits after 5 pm.
• Availability for on‑call rotations and irregular hours.
• Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, including home visits in high‑crime or substandard conditions.

Use of a personal motor vehicle is required. Applicants must possess a reliable vehicle, an acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided.

• Child Protective Investigations Specialist I:
  Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Child Protective Investigations Specialist II:
  Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant experience. Must have been employed as a Specialist I for 9 months and received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Specialist II or Specialist II in DFPS OR previously employed in the role.
• Child Protective Investigations Specialist III:
  Accredited Bachelor’s degree OR Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year…