CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Job Title

CPI SI Investigator III – CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Salary Range: $4,748.95 – $5,921.25 per month (paid monthly). Unspecified benefits detailed below.

• 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 more with 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave – time off you're actually paid for.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

Position assists DFPS Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance to the investigation of complex child abuse and neglect cases. The role involves specialized investigations, forensic interview training, risk assessment, case documentation, court testimony, and collaboration with law enforcement and community partners. The investigator may carry a small caseload, attend civil and criminal court proceedings as required, and train DFPS staff on forensic interview techniques.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect as required by management.
• Serve as a resource and trainer to DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Identify and provide for staff development and training needs in forensic child abuse and neglect investigation.
• Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex issues.
• Conduct in-depth interviews to accurately obtain information to determine immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect; model advanced interviewing techniques for other workers.
• Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine degree and type of agency intervention needed.
• Prepare and provide sufficient case documentation (including forms and narratives) to provide a complete and accurate record on cases, including legal documentation or testifying in court for all necessary court cases.
• Review cases identified by Child Safety Specialists for specific risk factors or assistance with forensic investigation techniques, to ensure staff develop and implement appropriate casework actions and case plans.
• Attend training and participate in professional development as required by agency and/or supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Develop and maintain communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations.

• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law relating to abuse and neglect of children.
• Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics, including problem areas of domestic violence, substance abuse, and criminal activity.
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly within the law enforcement community, and their use for addressing child abuse and neglect problems.
• Skill in forensic interviewing of children and adults.
• Skill in determining risk of harm to children.
• Skill in applying crisis intervention techniques.
• Skill in investigating and resolving difficult child abuse or neglect cases and verbal and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agency staff, law enforcement personnel, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate investigation records in relation to department standards for quality.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings.
• Ability to train staff in forensic interview techniques.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Five years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable out‑of‑state/military/federal certification).
• Or:
  Three years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace…