CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Posting

Agency:
Department of Family & Protective Services

Region: 4 – Protective Services

Salary: $3000 – $4999 per month (Monthly)

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect, determine whether abuse or neglect occurred, assess risk to the child, and recommend services to protect the child and family.

• 100% paid health insurance for you, 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of service and options to save with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for tax savings
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

CPI Investigation Worker Trainee – CPI INV Trainee Spec I

• Respond quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conduct forensic investigations of abuse/neglect reports to determine whether it occurred and assess risk for future harm.
• Observe children for harm indicators and assess whether they result from abuse or neglect.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and other knowledgeable individuals including medical staff, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Assess child safety and take appropriate actions to protect the child, which may include removal from family.
• Communicate frankly and objectively with families about sensitive matters such as parenting, finances, and personal relationships.
• Take actions to remove or reduce immediate threats, testifying in court, placing children in substitute care, or referring families to crisis services.
• Document all relevant information and complete required forms accurately and timely.
• Gather family and kinship information to support placement, should the child be put in DFPS custody.
• Participate in a regular on‑call rotation for after‑hours response, including overnight and weekend calls.
• Maintain relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
• Prioritize tasks under constant deadlines and work flexible hours.
• Balance objectivity and empathy with families in crisis.
• Attend training, meetings, and staffings as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
• Promote respect for diversity and cultural competency among coworkers and all contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Problem‑solving skills.
• Computer proficiency.
• Willingness to travel for child and family visits and other appointments after 5 p.m.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in high‑stress environments, including visits to unsafe or high‑crime areas, with exposure to unsanitary conditions.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist I:
Accredited bachelor’s or associate’s degree, or 60 or 90 accredited college credit hours plus relevant work experience.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist II:
Same educational requirements with additional experience or certification as specified.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist III and IV:
Same educational requirements with additional experience or advanced certification as specified.

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• Prior work experience in social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice such as parole or probation.
• Typing and writing proficiency.

Position may be filled at any level from Specialist I to Specialist IV. Salary may vary based on education and experience. Eligible investigators receive a monthly stipend after 120 days of tenure.

Work is performed in a mobile unit using mobile technology with occasional in‑office supervision.

All investigators receive a DFPS cellular phone.

Requires standing, hearing, talking, occasional…