CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Conroe, TX

11d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigator to respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and future 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 job. Most work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office attendance when directed by a supervisor. The position requires frequent face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners, and independent work while remaining responsive to supervision. The work is fast-paced and unpredictable. Investigators interview children and families, coordinate with professionals and community partners, respond to urgent safety concerns, manage multiple cases and court obligations, and complete extensive documentation. They must absorb and assess substantial information, exercise sound judgment under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain timely and thorough records. The role can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, serious injuries, child fatalities, and unsafe or unsanitary environments. They are expected to remain professional, objective, and compassionate while addressing sensitive and difficult situations. Work schedules are driven by children’s and families’ safety needs rather than a standard 8-to-5 schedule. Extended workdays, after-hours and overnight responses, weekend and holiday work, and a rotating on-call assignment are common. Significant travel is required, including occasional unexpected long-distance and overnight travel. The posting estimates employees may be on the road about 60% of the time. A reliable personal vehicle and valid Texas driver’s license are required. The position may be filled at the Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV level, with education and experience considered in setting starting salary. Eligible investigative hires receive a $416.66 monthly increase beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated conditions. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement. The posted work location is Conroe, Texas.

Requirements

For the Specialist I initial screening 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.
A reliable personal motor vehicle, acceptable driving record for the past five years, and current valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load; proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided.
Ability to travel to child and family visits and other work-related appointments and meetings after 5 p.m.
Ability to participate in rotating on-call duty and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment and conduct home visits in isolated or high-crime areas, with possible exposure to substandard and unsanitary conditions.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Problem-solving skills.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
For Specialist II, III, and IV levels, the posting also specifies qualifying prior DFPS specialist employment and certification pathways, in addition to the listed education and relevant experience criteria.
Applicants selected for hire 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 ability.
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 whether abuse or neglect occurred and the current or future risk of harm.
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 actions, which may include removing a child from the family.
Discuss sensitive and personal matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, money management, and relationships.
Determine and take action to remove or reduce immediate threats to a child, including identifying family safety supports, seeking emergency protective services through court, arranging substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
Document investigation 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 hours.
Maintain 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 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.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
A $416.66 monthly investigative pay increase for eligible hires, subject to the posting’s timing and continued-position conditions.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.