CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Benefits

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits add value that many private employers simply don’t match.

• Health insurance – 100% paid for you and 50% for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans – lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service plus 401(k) and 457 options.
• Paid time off – vacation, holidays, and sick leave are paid.
• Optional coverages – dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates.
• Flexible spending accounts – tax‑savvy health and dependent care accounts.
• Employee discounts – on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.

• Posting : 17837
• Functional Title
  : CPI Investigation Worker Trainee
• Job Title
  : CPI INV Trainee Spec I
• Agency
  :
  Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
• Department
  : CPS Investigations Region 4
• Posting Number
  : 17837
• Closing Date
  : 07/10/2026
• Occupational Category
  :
  Protective Services
• Salary Range
  : $3,816.65-$5,372.41 per month
• Pay Frequency
  :
  Monthly
• Salary Group
  : TEXAS-B-17
• Shift
  :
  Day
• Travel
  :
  Up to 75%
• Employment Type
  :
  Regular Full‑time (Nonexempt)
• Job Location
  : QUITMAN, 305 GOODWIN ST

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They determine if abuse or neglect occurred and recommend services to reduce risk. CPI operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children.
• Conduct forensic investigations and risk assessments of abuse/neglect reports.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess their causes.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, and other relevant individuals.
• Assess child safety and take actions to protect the child, including removal from the family if necessary.
• Communicate frankly with families about sensitive issues.
• Coordinate actions to reduce immediate threats, including court testimony and alternative care placement.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Gather kinship information for placement of children in DFPS custody.
• Participate in on‑call rotation for after‑hours, overnight, and weekend responses.
• Develop and maintain relationships with law‑enforcement, judicial, medical, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks under constant deadlines and flexible hours.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy while working with families in crisis.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffing sessions.
• Perform additional duties to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and contacts.
• Adhere to agency leave policy and attend work regularly.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships.
• Skill in problem‑solving techniques.
• Basic computer operation skills.
• Travel readiness and ability to attend visits after 5:00 p.m.
• Availability for rotating on‑call and irregular hours.
• Ability to work in high‑stress environments and potentially hazardous living conditions.

This position requires a reliable personal motor vehicle and a current Texas driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist I:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree, OR
• Accredited associate’s degree plus two years relevant experience, OR
• 60 college credit hours plus two years relevant experience, OR
• 90 college credit hours plus one year relevant experience.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist II:

• Accredited bachelor’s degree, OR
• Accredited associate’s degree plus two years relevant experience, OR
• 60 college credit hours plus two years relevant experience, OR
• 90 college credit hours plus one year relevant experience.

May also require prior certification or current employment as a Level II specialist.

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Prior work experience in human services, mental health, law, or criminal justice.
• Typing and writing proficiency.