CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Job Summary

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They collect information and determine whether abuse or neglect occurred, assess the current and future risk to children, and recommend intervention and services to reduce the risk. CPI Investigators work 24/7 to investigate reports for child safety.

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide additional value that many private employers simply don’t match.

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save with a 401(k) and a 457 plan.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and manage life outside work.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates much lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be in abusive or neglectful situations.
• Conduct forensic investigations of abuse/neglect reports to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and assess current or future risk of harm.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether those signs result from abuse or neglect.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and other relevant parties including medical staff, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect children, including removal from family when appropriate.
• Treat families seriously and frankly about personal matters such as parenting, financial management, and relationships.
• Take actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, work with families, and secure emergency protective services or placement when needed.
• Document all relevant information accurately and complete required forms promptly.
• Collect family and kinship data to support placement if the child is placed in DFPS custody.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation, responding after business hours, overnight, and on weekends.
• Build and maintain working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks under constant deadlines, working flexible hours as required.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy when dealing with families in stressful or crisis situations.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffings as scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and contacts.
• Adhere to agency leave policies and attend work regularly.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Problem–solving skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Travel ability and willingness to attend child and family visits after 5 p.m.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Capacity to work in an emotionally charged environment, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas, and exposure to unsanitary conditions.

Position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, a valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and proof of a clean driving record and insurance for the past five years.

• Specialist I: Accredited Bachelor’s degree; or Associate’s degree plus two years relevant experience; or 60 college credit hours plus two years experience; or 90 credit hours plus one year experience.
• Specialist II: Same academic qualifications as Specialist I with at least 9 months experience as Specialist I and certification; or existing Specialist II or III status in TFPS.
• Specialist III: Same academic qualifications as Specialist I with at least 9 months…