CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full‑time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out‑of‑pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• 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 things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

Functional

Title:

CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Job Title: CPI INV Trainee Spec I

Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services

Department: CPS Investigations Region 4

Posting Number: 11623

Closing Date: 01/30/2026

Salary: $3,816.65 – $5,372.41 per month

Shift: Day

Travel: Up to 75%

Location: 1460 19TH ST NW, PARIS, Texas

FLSA: Non‑exempt, Regular, Full‑time

Telework Availability: None

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They collect evidence, interview families and professionals, assess risk, and recommend services or actions to protect children and reduce future harm. Investigations occur 24/7 to respond to cases as they arise.

A CPI investigation includes interviewing and gathering information to determine if abuse or neglect occurred. The investigator considers both risk and safety issues and may recommend services for the child and family to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect.

• Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to children to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and conducts assessments to determine the current or future risk of harm to children.
• Observes children for signs of any harm and assess the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect.
• Interviews people in the case such as parents, caregivers, report persons, family members, and others familiar with the family situation.
• Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate.
• Communicates frankly and objectively with families about matters they may consider personal and private.
• Determines actions to remove or reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child, including seeking emergency protective services and placing children in substitute care.
• Documents all relevant information gathered and completes required forms accurately and timely.
• Gathers family and kinship information to support placement if the child is placed in DFPS custody.
• Participates in on‑call rotation responding after normal business hours, including overnight and weekend.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritizes tasks and works flexible hours under constant deadlines.
• Maintains objectivity and empathy for families in crisis.
• Attends and participates in training, meetings, and staffings.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes respect for cultural diversity and competency among co‑workers and contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Child development and family dynamics knowledge.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective relationship building skills.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Travel and conduct child/family visits after 5 pm.
• On‑call availability and irregular hours.
• Ability to work in emotionally charged environments and in high‑risk or…