CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Rosenberg, TX

11d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee to respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. Investigators make decisions that can significantly affect children and families. This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home position. The work primarily takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office work when directed by a supervisor. Investigators use mobile technology and work independently while remaining responsive to supervision and their unit. The role requires sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage urgent safety concerns, multiple active cases, court obligations, extensive documentation, and competing demands in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, unsafe or unsanitary environments, and emotionally charged interactions. Schedules are driven by the needs of children and families; extended days, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call work, and holiday work are common. Significant travel is required, including occasional long-distance or overnight travel and last-minute trips outside the assigned region. Employees can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time. The position may be filled at any level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with starting salary potentially based on education and experience. Eligible employees hired into investigative positions receive an additional monthly increase of $416.66 after the applicable waiting period. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

Meet the initial screening criteria for the applicable Child Protective Investigations Specialist level: an accredited bachelor's degree; or an accredited associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience; or 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 includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as services to families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II, III, or IV eligibility, meet the stated prior DFPS specialist employment and certification requirements for that level, or currently or previously hold the corresponding specialist classification as described in the posting.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use problem-solving techniques.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to travel and attend child and family visits and other work-related appointments and meetings after 5 p.m.
Ability to work irregular hours and participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
Ability 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.
Use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Reliable motor vehicle, 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; applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Selected applicants must 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 quickly to crisis situations involving children who may be experiencing abuse or neglect, including potentially dangerous situations.
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 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 private matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
Determine and take action to remove or reduce immediate threats to a child's safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services through court, placing children in substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
Document relevant investigation information 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 rotating on-call schedule and respond to abuse or neglect situations outside 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 work and meet constant deadlines while working flexible hours.
Balance objectivity and empathy when working with families in stressful or crisis situations.
Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and work-related contacts.
Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

Benefits

100% 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 plan options.
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.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Eligible employees hired into an investigative position receive a $416.66 monthly pay increase after the applicable waiting period.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Newly hired DFPS employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone.