CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Job Details

• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  CPI Investigation Worker Trainee
• Job Title: CPI Investigator I
• Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services
• Department: CPS Investigations Region 3E
• Salary Range: $3,816.65 - $5,372.41 per month
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Shift: Day
• Travel Requirement: Up to 75%
• Location: Plano, TX

CPI Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect, determining safety risks and recommending interventions to protect children and families. Investigations are conducted 24/7 throughout the year.

• Health Insurance: 100% paid for employee, 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement: State pension after five years plus 401(k) and 457 options
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional Insurance: Dental, vision, life insurance at lower rates
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care
• Employee Discounts: Gym memberships, electronics, entertainment

• Respond quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conduct forensic investigations of abuse/neglect reports to determine occurrence and assess current or future risk of harm.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether they result from abuse or neglect.
• Interview persons in the case, including parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from the family if needed.
• Communicate frankly and objectively with families about sensitive matters such as parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and relationships.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, or referring to crisis intervention.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Gather family and kinship information to support placement if the child is placed in DFPS custody.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation after normal business hours, including overnight and weekends.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks and work flexible hours under constant deadlines.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy when dealing with families in crisis.
• Attend training, meetings, and staff events.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and competence.
• Adhere to agency leave policy by attending work regularly.

• Accredited Bachelor’s degree, or Associate’s degree plus two years of related experience, or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years relevant experience, or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year relevant experience.
• Relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services (paid or volunteer) with families or at‑risk populations.

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Prior work experience in mental health, law enforcement, legal, or criminal justice (e.g., parole, probation).
• Typing and writing proficiency or related training.

• Valid Texas driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle for travel to homes and offices; proof of driving record, insurance, and license required.
• Background check and driver’s record check mandatory.
• Willingness to travel up to 60% of time, often outside assigned region, including overnight travel.
• Position works primarily in a mobile environment using tablet or mobile technology.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Establishing and maintaining professional relationships.
• Problem‑solving techniques.
• Computer operation skills.
• Ability to work beyond regular hours and be on-call.
• Ability to work in emotionally charged environments, including isolated or high‑crime areas.

• Frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, minimal force constantly.
• Vision requirements: see clearly at 20 inches or less and at 20+ feet, color distinction, peripheral vision, depth perception.
• Work outside office most of the time; exposure to heat, wetness, humidity, chemicals, tight spaces, gases, heights.