CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Victoria, TX

1d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Investigation Worker Trainee works in Child Protective Investigations, Family Investigations and Alternative Response to investigate reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and risk, and work with families to reduce the likelihood of future harm. The position may be filled at the Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV level, with the starting salary potentially determined by education and experience. The role involves making informed decisions that can significantly affect children and families and requires sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage a demanding and unpredictable workload.

Requirements

• Meet the education and relevant experience criteria for the applicable Specialist level: 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.
• For Specialist II, III, and IV levels, meet the additional applicable DFPS employment and certification criteria described in the posting.
• Have a reliable personal motor vehicle, 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.
• Have knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Have effective verbal and written communication, working-relationship, and problem-solving skills.
• Be able to operate a personal computer.
• Be able to travel and attend child and family visits and other work-related appointments and meetings after 5 p.m.
• Be able to participate in rotating on-call coverage and work irregular hours.
• Be able to work in emotionally charged environments and conduct home visits in isolated or high-crime areas, with possible exposure to substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
• Be able to manage significant travel, changing plans, urgent demands, extensive documentation, and decisions under pressure.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to crisis situations involving children who may be experiencing abuse or neglect, including situations that may be dangerous.
• Conduct forensic investigations of abuse and neglect reports and assess current or future risk of harm to children.
• Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether those signs may result from abuse or neglect, including in cases involving serious injuries or child 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 protective action, which may include removing a child from the family.
• Discuss sensitive and personal matters with families objectively, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
• Determine and take action to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
• Document relevant information and complete required forms accurately and on time.
• Gather family and kinship information to support a child’s placement if the child enters DFPS custody.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and respond to abuse or neglect situations after normal business hours, including overnight and weekends.
• 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 and irregular hours.
• Maintain objectivity and empathy when working with families experiencing stress or crisis.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
• Promote respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings options.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts, including gym membership, electronics, and entertainment discounts.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• A $416.66 monthly investigative-position pay increase, beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility conditions.
• DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

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