CPI Special Investigator

CPI Special Investigator

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer. This is not an entry‑level opportunity.

Work involves investigating high‑profile or high‑risk cases that may require joint investigation with local law enforcement. The investigator assists DFPS Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance in complex case investigations, offering forensic investigation techniques and expertise, and serving as a consultant to DFPS staff. The role includes attending civil and criminal court proceedings as required.

• Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect, including child death investigations and public/private school investigations.
• Serve as a resource to DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations.
• 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 the 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.
• 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, 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.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees, agency staff, law enforcement personnel and community stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate investigation records in relation to the department standards for quality.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings.

• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• TCOLE Intermediate License, out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification or Military experience comparable to Texas Peace Officer.
• Preferred:
  Current Licensed Texas Peace Officer or have been a licensed Peace Officer in Texas within the past two years.
• Preferred: TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License or equivalent from an out‑of‑state law enforcement agency or the United States Military.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Five years as a Peace Officer with investigation duties related to property crimes and/or crimes against persons.
• Experience involving the use of forensic investigation skills (interviewing and locating suspects, victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, obtaining credible statements, report writing).
• Substitution for Intermediate TCOLE Certification:
  Basic Peace Officer License through TCOLE or comparable out‑of‑state agency, military, or federal law enforcement agency…