CPI Investigation Worker Trainee- Current DFPS Interns Only

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Plainview, TX

4d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigation Worker Trainee to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and prevent further harm. This posting is for current or former DFPS interns. The position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with starting salary influenced by education and experience.

This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home position. Most 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 employee may also be required to work from an office when directed. The position involves frequent travel, with travel expected to account for about 60% of work time and the posting indicating travel of up to 75%. Some overnight travel is required, including for initial training and as cases demand.

Investigators handle a demanding, fast-paced, and unpredictable caseload. They must gather and assess substantial information, make sound decisions under pressure, respond to urgent safety concerns, meet court obligations, and complete thorough documentation while balancing competing demands. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, family violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges, serious injuries or child fatalities, and homes that are isolated, unsafe, or unsanitary. Work hours are dictated by child and family safety needs; extended days, after-hours responses, weekends, holidays, and rotating on-call duties are common. Employees may need to remain on duty until a child's safety is assured.

The role requires professionalism, objectivity, empathy, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It also requires use of the employee's personal motor vehicle, a reliable vehicle, an acceptable driving record, and a current valid Texas driver's license appropriate to the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Newly hired employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone. The agency offers a DFPS Certification Program for professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

• This posting is for current or former interns with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
• For Child Protective Investigations Specialist I, meet one of the following: accredited bachelor's degree; 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 work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services through agencies or communities serving families or other at-risk populations.
• For Specialist II, meet the stated education and relevant work-experience criteria, and meet one of the listed advancement or prior-employment conditions: nine months as a Specialist I with Child Protective Services Specialist Certification; current DFPS employment as a Specialist II; or previous DFPS employment as a Specialist II.
• For Specialist III, meet the stated education and relevant work-experience criteria, and meet one of the listed advancement or prior-employment conditions: 9 months as a Specialist II with Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification; current DFPS employment as a Specialist III; or previous DFPS employment as a Specialist III.
• For Specialist IV, meet the stated education and relevant work-experience criteria, and meet one of the listed advancement or prior-employment conditions: 24 months as a Specialist III with Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification; current DFPS employment as a Specialist IV; or previous DFPS employment as a Specialist IV.
• 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, appointments, and meetings, including after 5 p.m.
• Ability to participate in rotating on-call duty and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in emotionally charged environments, conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, and potentially encounter substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
• Use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to perform job functions; applicants must have reliable transportation, 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 driver's 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 experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, criminal justice, parole, probation, or a related field.
• 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 alleged child abuse or neglect 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.
• 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 private matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying family members who can help, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging 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 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 partners.
• Prioritize tasks and meet constant deadlines while working flexible hours.
• Maintain a balance of objectivity and empathy when working with families in stressful or crisis situations.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.

Benefits

• 100% employer-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 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 on items and services such as gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• A $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase, generally beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility conditions.
• DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and an opportunity to earn additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

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