CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Lumberton, TX

2d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee to investigate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and future risk, and work with families and community partners to reduce the likelihood of harm. The role may be filled at the Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV levels, with starting salary influenced by education and experience. The listed monthly salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41, and eligible investigative employees receive an additional $416.66 monthly increase under the stated tenure conditions.

This is a mobile, field-based position, not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. Employees may also be directed to work from an office. The role requires frequent travel, reliable personal transportation, extensive face-to-face contact, independent work, responsiveness to supervision, and use of mobile technology. The posting estimates travel at up to 85%, and further describes being on the road about 60% of the time. Some overnight travel is required, including for initial training and as cases demand.

Investigators respond to crises, conduct interviews and investigations, assess immediate and future safety risks, document findings, and make decisions that can significantly affect children and families. The work is fast-paced, unpredictable, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter family crises, substance abuse, violence, mental health challenges, serious injuries or child fatalities, and unsanitary or potentially unsafe environments. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs; extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekends, holidays, and rotating on-call duties are common. Employees may need to adjust plans or travel long distances with little notice.

DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement. Newly hired employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Requirements

• Meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: 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.
• Relevant experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as providing services to families or other at-risk populations through social service agencies or communities.
• For Specialist II through IV levels, meet the additional level-specific DFPS employment and certification criteria 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, appointments, and meetings after 5 p.m.
• Ability to participate in rotating on-call coverage and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in emotionally charged environments, including isolated or high-crime areas and settings with substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
• Use a personal motor vehicle to perform job functions and have reliable transportation.
• Have an acceptable driving record for the past five years and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and its passenger or cargo load; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
• Ability to meet the described physical requirements, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; and occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services (including Psychology, Sociology, Child and 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 situations that may be dangerous.
• 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 the 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 protective actions, which may include removing a child from the family.
• Discuss sensitive and personal matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
• Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to a child's safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, or referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
• Document relevant information gathered during investigations 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 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 under constant deadlines and work flexible hours.
• Balance objectivity and empathy when working with families experiencing stress or crisis.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promote and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and work-related contacts.
• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

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, with options to contribute to 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, including for 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.
• An additional $416.66 monthly increase for eligible investigative employees, subject to the tenure and position conditions described.

What This Job Offers

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