CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Posting 17555 - Posted
- Dept of Family & Protective Svc
- CPS Investigations Region 5
- Protective Services - Other Locations (1)
- Salary Range: $3,816.65 - $5,372.41 per month

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 401(k) and 457 options
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – time off you’re actually paid for
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates 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

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They determine if abuse or neglect occurred, assess risk and safety issues, and recommend services for the child and family to reduce the risk of further harm. CPI receives and investigates reports 24 hours per day, every day of the year.

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conduct forensic investigations and assessments to determine current or future risk of harm to children.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether they result from abuse or neglect.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, and others familiar with the family situation.
• Assess child safety and take necessary actions to protect the child, including removal from home if needed.
• Communicate frankly and objectively with families about sensitive matters.
• Initiate actions to remove or mitigate threats to child safety, such as emergency protective services or substitute care.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Gather kinship information for potential placement in DFPS custody.
• Participate in on‑call rotation, responding after normal business hours, overnight and on weekends.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks and work flexible hours to meet constant deadlines.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy in crisis situations.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency.
• Adhere to agency leave policy by attending work regularly.

• Knowledge of child development and 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 visits and meetings after 5 p.m.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in an emotion‑filled environment, including home visits in isolated or high‑crime areas.

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

• Child Protective Investigations Specialist I:
  Accredited Bachelor’s degree, or Associate’s degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience, or 60 college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience, or 90 college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
• Child Protective Investigations Specialist II:
  Same criteria as Specialist I, plus employment as Specialist I for at least 9 months and receipt of Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, OR current employment as Specialist II or Specialist II in DFPS, OR prior employment as Specialist II or Specialist II in DFPS.
• Child…