CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Posting

Department of Family & Protective Services – CPS Investigations Region 7 – Protective Services
Not Eligible for Telework
Salary: $3,816.65 – $5,372.41 per month (Monthly)

Shift: Day
Travel:
Up to 85%

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigator to investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. The role includes triage of emergency calls, on‑site investigations, interviewing families and witnesses, assessing risk, recommending protective actions, and documenting all findings.

• Respond promptly to crisis situations involving children in potential abuse or neglect.
• Conduct forensic investigations and risk assessments to determine if abuse/neglect occurred.
• Observe and assess children for signs of harm and document findings.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and professionals such as medical staff, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Take necessary actions to protect children, including removal from unsafe homes and coordinating legal or court interventions.
• Communicate objective, factual information to families about safety concerns and required services.
• Make recommendations for protective services, emergency shelter, or crisis therapy and coordinate referrals to community resources.
• Document all investigation details accurately and submit required forms on time.
• Support case placement efforts when children enter DFPS custody, gathering kinship and family information.
• Participate in on‑call rotations, including evenings, weekends, and nights.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks under tight deadlines and work flexible hours as needed.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy when working with families in crisis.
• Attend required training, meetings, and staff sessions.
• Perform additional duties necessary to support unit operations.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and exhibit professional competency.
• Adhere to agency leave policies and attend work regularly.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency with personal computers.
• Willingness to travel to homes and offices as required.
• Availability to be on call and work irregular hours.
• Capacity to work in high‑stress environments and conduct home visits in challenging conditions.

• Accredited Bachelor’s degree; or accredited Associate’s degree plus two years of relevant work experience; or 60 college credit hours plus two years relevant experience; or 90 college credit hours plus one year relevant experience.
• Relevant experience in social, human, or protective services (e.g., paid or volunteer work with families or at‑risk populations).
• Valid Texas driver’s license and reliable motor vehicle with acceptable driving record for five years.
• Proof of driving record, insurance, and license required upon hire.
• Willingness to travel up to 60% of the time and sometimes overnight.
• Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently, and to perform standard duties in a mobile environment.

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

Applicants may be hired at the Specialist I–IV levels. Salary may vary based on education and experience. Eligible investigators receive an additional monthly stipend after 120 days of tenure. The position requires working primarily in a mobile unit; a DFPS cellular phone will be provided to new employees.

Physical activities include frequent standing, walking, climbing, and occasional lifting. Calls may occur 24/7; a rotating on‑call schedule is required. Travel within and outside the assigned region is common, with occasional overnight trips.

Candidates must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. All employees must comply with the State of Texas security and privacy regulations and the Electronic Information Resources (EIR) accessibility standards.

DFPS uses E‑Verify. Bring I‑9 documentation on your first day of work. The agency provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the hiring process.

DFPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals. The agency complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and offers accommodations throughout the selection process.