CPI INV Trainee Spec I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Denton, TX

6d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Child Protective Investigations (CPI), Family Investigations and Alternative Response (FIAR) Investigator responds to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gathers and assesses information, evaluates child safety and future risk, and works with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The position involves making informed decisions that can significantly affect the lives of children and families.

This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Work takes place where children and families live, learn, and receive services, including homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. The investigator has regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners, uses mobile technology, works independently while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit, and may be directed to work from an office.

The work requires flexibility, sound judgment, and adaptation to rapidly changing circumstances. Investigators manage multiple active cases, urgent safety concerns, court obligations, extensive documentation, and competing demands. They must make decisions under pressure, keep thorough and timely records, and remain professional, objective, and compassionate in emotionally challenging situations. Work may involve crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, and environments that may be unsanitary, isolated, or potentially unsafe.

Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs rather than a traditional 8-to-5 day. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekend and holiday work, and a regular on-call rotation are part of the role. Significant travel is required, including possible unexpected long-distance trips and some overnight travel. The posting describes travel of up to 75%, with the role typically on the road about 60% of the time.

The position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with education and experience potentially considered when setting starting salary. Eligible investigative hires receive an additional $416.66 monthly increase beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the conditions described in the posting. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated educational and experience pathways: an accredited bachelor’s degree; an accredited associate’s degree plus two years of relevant work experience; 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience; or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience.
• Relevant experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
• Have knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Have effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Have problem-solving skills.
• Be able to operate a personal computer.
• Be able to travel and attend child and family visits, appointments, and meetings, including after 5 p.m.
• Be able to participate in a rotating on-call schedule and work irregular hours.
• Be able to work in emotionally charged environments and conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially encountering substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
• Use a personal motor vehicle to perform job functions and have reliable transportation.
• Have an acceptable driving record for the past five years and a current, valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services (including Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
• Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice fields, such as parole or probation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience or education.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to crisis situations involving children who may be abused or neglected, including potentially dangerous situations.
• Conduct forensic investigations of child abuse and neglect reports and assess current and future risk of harm.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether those signs may result from abuse or neglect, including cases involving serious injuries or fatalities.
• Interview parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and other people familiar with the family, including medical staff, teachers, and law enforcement.
• Assess child safety and take appropriate steps to protect children, which may include removing a child from the family.
• Discuss sensitive and personal matters with families objectively, including parenting decisions, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.
• Determine and take action to address immediate threats to child safety, including identifying family members who can help keep a child safe, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
• Document relevant information gathered during investigations and complete required forms accurately and promptly.
• Gather family and kinship information to support a child’s placement if the child enters DFPS custody.
• Participate in a regular on-call rotation and respond to abuse or neglect situations outside normal business hours, including overnight and weekend responses.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and community members.
• Prioritize tasks and meet constant deadlines while working flexible hours.
• Balance objectivity and empathy when working with families in stressful and crisis situations.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• A $416.66 monthly investigative-position pay increase for eligible hires, subject to the stated tenure and position conditions.
• DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and potential additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level