CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Job Overview

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Special Investigator Trainee to conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect.

• Investigate high‑profile or high‑risk cases, often in cooperation with local law enforcement.
• Provide forensic investigation techniques and investigative skills to DFPS staff.
• Accompany DFPS investigators, offering expertise on criminal statutes, law‑enforcement procedures, and legal issues.
• Offer training and serve as a consultant to DFPS staff.
• Interact with DFPS staff, supervisors, clients, law‑enforcement, medical, and legal professionals.
• Attend civil and criminal court proceedings as required.
• Maintain a small caseload and prepare accurate case documentation, including court testimony.
• Provide feedback on effective investigation techniques and conduct in‑depth interviews.
• Assess family dynamics to determine intervention needs.
• Perform risk assessments and produce comprehensive reports.
• Attend required training and professional development.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and maintain professional relationships.
• Follow agency leave policy and maintain unit operations.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect.
• Serve as a resource and trainer on forensic interview skills.
• Identify training needs to enhance unit performance.
• Provide expert consultation on complex forensic investigations.
• Conduct in‑depth interviews and model advanced techniques.
• Assess family dynamics to determine intervention type.
• Prepare case documentation and testify in court.
• Review cases for specific risk factors and assist with investigative techniques.
• Attend training and participate in professional development.
• Perform other duties to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and contacts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the agency.

• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law related to child abuse and neglect.
• Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics.
• Knowledge of community resources within law‑enforcement.
• Skill in forensic interviewing of children and adults.
• Skill in determining risk of harm to children.
• Skill in applying crisis intervention techniques.
• Skill in investigating and resolving difficult child abuse or neglect cases.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff and community stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate investigation records against department quality standards.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents.
• Ability to train staff in forensic interview techniques.

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• TCOLE Intermediate License, or equivalent out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Office Certification, or comparable military experience.
• Preferred:
  Current or recent Texas Peace Officer license; TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License.
• Out‑of‑state law‑enforcement or military licenses comparable to a Texas Peace Officer are acceptable.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five (5) years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer, or comparable certification.
• OR three (3) years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer plus two (2) years in DFPS child‑protection investigations, or completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during prior DFPS employment.
• Military police or criminal investigative service experience accepted as qualifying for all above criteria.

• 60 college credits.
• Two (2) years as a Detective/Investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect.
• Experience using forensic investigation skills: interviewing suspects, collecting evidence, obtaining statements, and report writing.

Expect frequent travel to client homes and offices; approximately 60% of the time, including local and occasional out‑of‑region trips.

Selected applicants may receive a $416.66 monthly increase after 120 days of tenure. Applicants must remain in an investigative position to continue the stipend.

Applicants must pass a background check and driver’s record check. All state employees are required to complete mandatory cybersecurity and accessibility training.

DFPS is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified persons of all backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided during the hiring process for qualified individuals with disabilities.