CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Posting Information

• Posting
• Dept of Family & Protective Services – Special Investigations – Protective Services
• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  CPI Special Investigator Trainee
• Job Title:
  
  CPI Special Investigator Train
• Agency:
  Dept of Family & Protective Services
• Department:
  Special Investigations
• Posting Number: 18354
• Closing Date: 08/24/2026
• Posting Audience:
  Internal and External
• Occupational Category:
  Protective Services
• Salary Range: $4,748.95 - $5,921.25 per month
• Pay Frequency:
  Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: None
• Telework:
  Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel:
  Up to 75%
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
  Nonexempt
• Job Location City:
  Houston
• Job Location Address: 3 Northpoint Dr
• Other Locations:
  None

Important Notice: This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer. This is not an entry‑level opportunity.

Professional Background:
Only candidates with a solid background in investigative roles within law enforcement will be considered for this position.

Overview: The work involves investigating high‑profile or high‑risk cases that may require joint investigations with local law enforcement due to alleged criminal acts. The investigator assists DFPS Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance, contributing forensic investigation techniques, and offering information on criminal statutes, law enforcement procedures, and legal issues when circumstances warrant. The role may include a small caseload, training for DFPS staff, and serving as a consultant.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect as required by management.
• Serve as a resource and trainer to DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Identify and provide staff development and training needs related to forensic child abuse and neglect investigation.
• Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex forensic child abuse and neglect investigations.
• Conduct in‑depth interviews to accurately obtain information and determine immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect; model advanced interviewing techniques for other workers.
• 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 provide a complete and accurate record on cases, and testifying in court for all necessary court cases.
• Review cases identified by Child Safety Specialists for specific risk factors or assistance with forensic investigation techniques to ensure staff develop and implement appropriate casework actions and plans.
• Attend training and participate in professional development as required by agency and/or supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Develop and maintain communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, especially with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations.

• 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 issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, and criminal activity.
• Knowledge of community resources, especially within the law enforcement community, and their use for addressing child abuse and neglect problems.
• 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 the department…