CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•CROSBY, TX

11d•$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 alleged child abuse or neglect, assess children’s safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The position may be filled at the Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV level, with starting salary potentially affected by education and experience. Eligible employees hired into an investigative position receive an additional monthly increase after the stated tenure period. This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home position. Most work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other community locations, with office work as directed. The role requires regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners, independent work using mobile technology, and responsiveness to supervision and the assigned unit. The work is fast-paced, unpredictable, and often physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators balance active cases, urgent safety issues, court obligations, documentation, and competing demands. They must make informed decisions under pressure, remain professional and compassionate in difficult situations, and adapt to changing circumstances. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs; extended days, after-hours responses, weekends, holidays, and rotating on-call duties are common. Significant travel is required, including occasional long-distance or overnight travel, sometimes with little notice. The position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle and reliable transportation. The posting estimates that employees may be on the road about 60% of the time. DFPS offers a Certification Program intended to support professional development, strengthen job skills, and provide opportunities for additional compensation. Newly hired employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. The position also includes a mobile unit and use of mobile technology such as a tablet.

Requirements

Meet the applicable initial screening criteria: 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 work experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II–IV consideration, meet the additional level-specific DFPS employment and certification requirements described in the posting, including applicable time in the prior specialist level and certification, or qualifying current or prior DFPS specialist employment.
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 participate in a rotating on-call schedule and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in emotionally charged environments and conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially involving substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
A reliable 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; proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.
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 experiencing abuse or neglect, including potentially dangerous situations.
Conduct forensic investigations of abuse and neglect reports and assess current and 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 others 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 matters objectively and frankly with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, 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 through court, arranging substitute care, or 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 tasks and meet constant deadlines while working flexible and irregular hours.
Balance 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.
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, with additional savings options through 401(k) and 457 plans.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program supporting professional development and offering an opportunity to earn additional compensation.
Eligible newly hired employees receive a DFPS cellular phone.
Eligible employees hired into an investigative position receive an additional monthly pay increase after the stated tenure period.