CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Job Title

CPI Investigation Worker Trainee (CPI INV Trainee Spec I)

Department of Family & Protective Services, CPS Investigations Region 4

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. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

• 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 optional 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – paid time off
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates than private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care savings
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They assess risk and safety, interview families, recommend services, and work to protect children.

• Respond quickly in crisis situations involving children in abusive or neglectful situations.
• Conduct forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect and assess the current or future risk of harm to children.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether they result from abuse or neglect.
  (Involve serious injuries or fatalities.)
• Interview people in the case, including parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, healthcare providers, teachers, law enforcement, etc.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from family if needed.
• Discuss matters with families objectively, including sensitive topics such as parenting, financial management, and personal relationships.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including court petitions, substitute care placement, and referrals for crisis intervention.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and in a timely manner.
• Gather family and kinship information to support placement if the child is placed in DFPS custody.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation to respond after normal business hours, including overnight and weekend.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and the community.
• Prioritize tasks under constant deadlines and work flexible hours.
• Balance objectivity and empathy in stressful and crisis situations.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffing sessions as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in problem‑solving techniques.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to travel and attend child and family visits after 5 p.m.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas, with exposure to substandard living conditions.

The position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle, a valid Texas driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a driving record for the past five years.

• Bachelor’s degree OR Associate’s degree + 2 years relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credits + 2 years relevant experience OR 90 accredited college credits + 1 year relevant experience.

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