CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Overview

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is seeking a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee (CPI INV Trainee Spec I) to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. The role requires responding to crisis situations, conducting forensic investigations, interviewing stakeholders, assessing risk, and making recommendations to protect children.

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be in abusive or neglectful circumstances.
• Conduct forensic investigations of reports to determine whether abuse or neglect occurred.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether such signs result from abuse or neglect.
• Interview individuals related to the case: parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and professionals such as medical staff, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from a dangerous environment and placement in substitute care or consult with community resources.
• Discuss sensitive matters with families, including parenting decisions, sexual abuse, financial matters, and personal relationships.
• Coordinate with families to reduce immediate threats to child safety, testifying in court, and placing children in substitute care when required.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms in a timely manner.
• Gather family and kinship information to support placement decisions.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation after normal business hours, including overnight and weekend shifts.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community resources.
• Prioritize tasks and work flexible hours under constant deadlines.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy with families in crisis.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all contact persons.
• Adhere to agency leave policy by attending work regularly.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with personal computer operation.
• Willingness to travel for child and family visits, and attendance of meetings after 5 p.m.
• Availability for rotating on‑call duty and irregular hours.
• Capacity to work in emotional, high‑risk environments, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist I

• Accredited Bachelor’s degree, OR
• Accredited Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience, OR
• 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years of relevant work experience, OR
• 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist II

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

Child Protective Investigations Specialist III and IV

• Same educational requirements as Specialist II, with additional experience or certification depending on level.

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services (Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
• Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice fields.
• Typing and writing proficiency or related experience.

The incumbent is often required to stand, hear, and speak, occasionally climb, and may exert up to 20 pounds at times, and 10 pounds frequently. The role involves frequent travel and working in mobile environments outside the office.

Traveler’s duties include visits to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region, possibly with short notice. About 60% of the work time may involve road travel, including occasional overnight travel for training and case work. Flexibility and readiness to serve clients wherever needed are essential.

Requirements include possession of a reliable personal motor vehicle, current Texas driver’s license, and acceptable driving record for the past five years.

Applicants must pass required background checks and comply with security and cybersecurity policies. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided during the hiring process.