CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Posting :
18650

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, so they thrive.

• 100% paid health insurance for you, 50% for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after 5 years of service, plus 401(k) and 457 options
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision and life insurance at lower rates
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care savings
• Employee discounts on gym, electronics, entertainment

This is a specialized CPI Special Investigator Trainee role. Requires previous police officer or equivalent experience. Responsibility includes conducting high‑profile investigations, providing forensic interview training, collaborating with DFPS staff, and attending court proceedings.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect
• Serve as resource and trainer on forensic interview skills
• Identify and provide staff development and training needs
• Provide expert consultation on complex forensic cases
• Conduct in‑depth risk assessments and interviews
• Assess family dynamics and determine agency intervention needs
• Prepare thorough case documentation and testify in court as required
• Review cases from Child Safety Specialists for risk factors and investigative techniques
• Attend training and professional development
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations
• Promote respect for cultural diversity
• Attend work regularly per leave policy
• Develop and maintain working relationships with law enforcement and community professionals

• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law relating to child abuse and neglect
• Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics, including domestic violence, substance abuse, crime
• Knowledge of community resources, especially within law enforcement
• Must be skilled in mandatory interviewing of children and adults
• Must be able to assess risk of harm to children
• Must apply crisis intervention techniques
• Investigate and resolve difficult child abuse or neglect cases
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Establish effective relationships with staff, law enforcement and stakeholders
• Evaluate investigation records against departmental standards
• Analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents
• Train staff in forensic interview techniques
• Operate personal computer and common office equipment

• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• TCOLE Intermediate License, or equivalent out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification or military experience comparable to Texas Peace Officer
• Preferred:
  Current Licensed Texas Peace Officer or licensed within past two years
• TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License or equivalent from out‑of‑state agency or U.S. Military

• High school graduation or equivalent
• Five years as a TCOLE licensed peace officer (or comparable)
• OR three years as a TCOLE licensed peace officer plus two years in DFPS child protection investigations OR completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during previous DFPS employment
• Experience through military police or criminal investigative service will be considered qualifying
• Preferred: 60 hours college credit; two years as a detective/investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect; forensic investigation experience

Eligible applicants may receive a $416.66 monthly increase after 120 days of tenure. Travel up to 75% of the time, including overnight travel.

Applicants must pass background check and driver’s record check.

All employees must comply with state security and accessibility standards and complete required cybersecurity training.

DFPS uses E‑Verify; applicants must submit I‑9 documentation.

DFPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive reasonable accommodations for disabilities.