CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Brownwood, TX

8d•$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 risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. This is a mobile, field-based position involving regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners. Work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations; employees may also work from an office when directed. It is not a work-from-home position. Investigators manage active cases, urgent safety concerns, court obligations, and extensive documentation in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment. The role requires sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding and may involve crisis situations, family violence, substance abuse, mental health challenges, and unsafe or unsanitary environments. Investigators are expected to remain professional, objective, and compassionate. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs rather than a traditional 8-to-5 workday. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call work, and holiday work are common. Significant travel is required, including possible unexpected long-distance travel and overnight trips. The position is full-time, nonexempt, regular, and based in Brownwood, Texas. Telework is not eligible. The position may be filled at the Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV level, with starting salary potentially based on education and experience. 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 its certification program for professional development and career advancement. The position uses mobile technology, such as a tablet, and newly hired employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. The employee must use a personal motor vehicle for job functions and provide proof of a reliable vehicle, acceptable driving record, current valid Texas driver's license, and insurance.

Requirements

For Child Protective Investigations Specialist I, meet one of the following: accredited bachelor's degree; 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 may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For Child Protective Investigations Specialist II, meet the stated education and relevant-work-experience criteria and the applicable advancement or prior-employment criteria: employed as a Specialist I for nine months and holding Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, current employment as a Specialist II, or prior employment as a Specialist II with Texas DFPS.
For Child Protective Investigations Specialist III, meet the stated education and relevant-work-experience criteria and the applicable advancement or prior-employment criteria: employed as a Specialist II for nine months and holding Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, current employment as a Specialist III, or prior employment as a Specialist III with Texas DFPS.
For Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV, meet the stated education and relevant-work-experience criteria and the applicable advancement or prior-employment criteria: employed as a Specialist III for 24 months and holding Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, current employment as a Specialist IV, or prior employment as a Specialist IV with Texas DFPS.
Have a reliable personal motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years.
Hold a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Be able to travel, attend visits and work-related appointments and meetings after 5 p.m., work irregular hours, and participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
Be able to work in emotionally intense situations and potentially visit isolated or high-crime areas and homes with substandard or unsanitary conditions.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Meet the role’s physical and visual requirements, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; occasional lifting or exertion up to 20 pounds and frequent exertion up to 10 pounds; and the specified vision capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Social Work, Human Services (such as Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice.
Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, criminal justice, parole/probation, or related fields.
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 experiencing abuse or neglect, including potentially dangerous situations.
Conduct forensic investigations of reported 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, including in cases involving serious injuries or 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 and personal matters with families objectively, including parenting, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.
Identify and take action to reduce or remove immediate threats to child safety, including working with family members, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention or community resources.
Document relevant 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 after normal business hours, including overnight and weekends.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial and legal officials, medical professionals, and community partners.
Prioritize tasks and work flexible hours to meet constant deadlines.
Maintain objectivity and empathy when working with families experiencing stress or crisis.
Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
Perform other duties necessary 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.
Travel to child and family visits, appointments, and meetings, including those after 5 p.m.
Complete required training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system policies.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
Retirement plans providing 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 at rates described as lower than most private plans.
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.
Eligible investigative hires receive a $416.66 monthly increase after the stated tenure period and conditions.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.