CPI Special Investigator Trainee

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

Special Investigations – Protective Services:
Focused on child abuse and neglect investigations, providing forensic interview expertise, training, and consultation to DFPS staff and partners. Requires experience as a police officer or equivalent law‑enforcement background.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect.
• Serve as a resource and trainer to DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Identify and provide staff development and training needs to enhance quality performance of unit staff.
• Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex forensic issues.
• Conduct in‑depth interviews to assess immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect.
• Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine the degree and type of agency intervention needed.
• Prepare and provide sufficient case documentation (including forms and narratives) to maintain a complete and accurate record on cases.
• Review cases identified by Child Safety Specialists for risk factors or assistance with forensic techniques.
• Attend training and participate in professional development as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts.
• Develop and maintain communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with law‑enforcement professionals.

• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law relating to abuse and neglect of children.
• Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics, including domestic violence, substance abuse, and criminal activity.
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly within the law‑enforcement community.
• 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 employees, agency staff, law‑enforcement personnel, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate investigation records in relation to departmental standards for quality.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings.
• Ability to train staff in forensic interview techniques.

• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• TCOLE Intermediate License, out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification, or comparable military experience.
• Preferred:
  Current or former licensed Texas Peace Officer within the last two years.
• Preferred: TCOLE Advanced or Master Peace Officer License, or equivalent.
• Preferred:
  Out‑of‑state law‑enforcement, Federal Law Enforcement, or United States Military licenses and certifications comparable to a Texas Peace Officer.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Five years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable out‑of‑state/military/federal certification).

• Three years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable) AND two years’ experience in DFPS Child Protection Investigations OR completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during previous DFPS employment.
• Experience acquired through military police or military criminal investigative service (e.g., Army MOS 31B/31D, Marine Corps 5811/5821, Navy MA, Air Force 3P0X1/7S0X1).
• Preferred: 60 hours college credit; 2 years as a detective/investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect or similar; experience using forensic investigation skills.

Applicants selected for this position may be eligible for a $416.66 monthly increase after 120 days of tenure. Travel up to 75% of the time is required; frequent travel to…