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 (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 harm. The work involves making significant decisions affecting children and families and requires sound judgment, flexibility, empathy, and professionalism in stressful situations. This is a mobile, field-based position rather than a traditional office or work-from-home role. Investigators work in locations where children and families live, learn, and receive services, including homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community sites. The position requires extensive travel, face-to-face contact, and the ability to work independently while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit. Employees may also be required to work from an office when directed. The workload is fast-paced and unpredictable, with multiple active cases, urgent safety concerns, court obligations, and extensive documentation. Work schedules are driven by children’s and families’ needs and may include extended days, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call work, and holidays. Investigators may need to respond immediately and remain on duty until a child’s safety is assured. Travel can include unexpected long-distance and overnight trips, sometimes with little notice. The role can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, serious injuries or child fatalities, and homes that are isolated, unsafe, or unsanitary. DFPS offers professional development through its Certification Program, which supports employees in building role-specific expertise and may provide opportunities for additional compensation.

Requirements

For the Specialist I screening level: an accredited bachelor's degree; or an accredited associate 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.
A reliable personal motor vehicle, 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 are required. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Problem-solving skills.
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 rotating on-call duty and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in emotionally charged environments, including home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and settings with substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Ability to work in a mobile environment, independently while remaining responsive to supervision and the assigned unit.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver-record check.

Nice To Haves

Degree in social work, human services (such as psychology, sociology, child and family studies, or counseling), or criminal justice.
Prior experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal work, criminal justice, parole or 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 reports of child abuse or neglect and assess current or 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 necessary protective actions, which may include removing a child from the family.
Discuss personal and sensitive matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services through court, arranging substitute care, and referring families to crisis or community resources.
Document relevant 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.
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 savings plans.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at stated lower-than-private-plan rates.
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 professional development, with opportunities to earn additional compensation.
A $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase, beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility and continued-position conditions.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.