CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Temple, TX

1d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is hiring a Child Protective Investigations (CPI) investigator trainee to respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gather and assess information, evaluate child safety and risk, and work with families and community partners to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The role may be filled at the Specialist I through Specialist IV level, with starting salary determined in part by education and experience. This is a mobile, field-based position, 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. The position requires regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners. Employees may also be directed to work from an office and must work independently while remaining responsive to supervision and their assigned unit. The work is fast-paced, unpredictable, and often physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators manage multiple active cases, urgent safety concerns, court obligations, and extensive documentation, making decisions under pressure while maintaining objectivity and compassion. Cases may involve crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, serious injuries, or child fatalities. Work environments can include isolated or unsafe homes and unsanitary conditions. Schedules are driven by the safety needs of children and families rather than a standard 8-to-5 workday. Extended days, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call work, and holiday work are common. Significant travel is required, including possible last-minute trips outside the assigned counties or region and some overnight travel. The posting estimates travel at up to 85%, and later describes being on the road about 60% of the time. Newly hired DFPS employees in eligible positions are assigned a cellular phone. Investigative employees may receive an additional monthly stipend after the applicable tenure period. DFPS also offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

Meet the applicable education and experience 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 experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as services to families or other at-risk populations.
For higher specialist levels, meet the applicable DFPS employment and certification criteria described in the posting, including required time in the prior specialist level and the relevant certification, or qualifying current or prior DFPS specialist employment.
Have a reliable personal 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; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
Know child development and family dynamics.
Have effective verbal and written communication skills.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Have problem-solving skills.
Be able to operate a personal computer.
Be able to travel and attend child and family visits and work-related appointments or meetings after 5 p.m.
Be able to participate in rotating on-call duty and work irregular hours.
Be able to work in an emotionally charged environment and conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially encountering substandard or unsanitary conditions.
Be willing and able to travel frequently, including outside the assigned region, sometimes with little notice and with occasional overnight travel.
Be able to work in a mobile, field-based role and respond to supervision and the assigned unit.

Nice To Haves

A 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 work, criminal justice, parole/probation, or a related field.
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 abused or neglected, including situations that may be dangerous.
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 protective action, 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 and take action to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying family supports, seeking emergency protective services in court, placing children in 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 placement if a child enters DFPS custody.
Participate in a regular on-call rotation and respond to abuse or neglect situations after normal business hours, including overnight and weekends.
Develop and maintain working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and community partners.
Prioritize tasks 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.
Perform other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.
Promote 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, plus access to 401(k) and 457 plans.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at stated lower-than-market rates.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts, including gym membership, electronics, and entertainment discounts.
Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
DFPS Certification Program with opportunities for additional compensation and professional development.
Eligible newly hired DFPS employees are assigned a cellular phone.
Eligible investigative employees may receive an additional $416.66 monthly stipend after the stated tenure period.