CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

10d • $3,817 - $5,372 • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee for Child Protective Investigations in Bexar County, Texas. CPI investigators respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gather and assess information, evaluate child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The role involves making informed decisions that can significantly affect children and families.

This is a mobile, field-based position, not a traditional office or work-from-home job. Investigators work in locations such as homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community settings, with office work when directed. The work requires frequent face-to-face contact, sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage urgent concerns, multiple cases, extensive documentation, and changing demands under pressure. Situations may involve family crises, substance abuse, violence, mental health challenges, serious injuries, child fatalities, or unsafe living conditions.

Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call duties, and holiday work are common. Significant travel is required, sometimes at short notice and outside the assigned region; the posting estimates being on the road about 60% of the time and notes that overnight travel may occur. The position requires use of the applicant’s personal motor vehicle, a current valid Texas driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance.

The role may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with education and experience considered when setting starting salary. The posted monthly salary range is $3,816.65–$5,372.41. Eligible hires into an investigative position may receive an additional $416.66 per month after the stated tenure period. The position is regular, full-time, nonexempt, day shift, and not eligible for telework. DFPS provides a mobile unit, and newly hired employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. DFPS also offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement.

Initial screening criteria include an accredited bachelor’s degree, or specified combinations of an associate’s degree or college credit hours and relevant work experience. Additional internal certification and service requirements apply to Specialist II–IV classifications. Applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

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 experience may include paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
• For Specialist II, III, and IV classifications, meet the stated prior DFPS employment, tenure, and certification requirements, or qualifying current or prior employment at the corresponding level.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in problem solving.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to travel and attend child and family visits and other work appointments or meetings after 5 p.m.
• Ability to work rotating on-call schedules and irregular hours.
• Ability to work in emotionally charged environments and conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially involving substandard or unsanitary conditions.
• Use a personal motor vehicle to complete job functions; have reliable transportation, 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 driver’s license.
• Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
• Be prepared for extensive travel, occasional overnight travel, and work outside the assigned region, sometimes with little notice.
• Meet the physical requirements described in the posting, including frequent standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; and occasional exertion of up to 20 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• 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, or criminal justice fields, such as parole or probation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
• 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 potentially dangerous situations.
• Conduct forensic investigations of child abuse and neglect reports 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 appropriate protective action, which may include removing a child from the family.
• Discuss sensitive and personal matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.
• Determine and take action to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, or referring families to crisis intervention and 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 rotating on-call schedule 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 work flexible hours to meet constant deadlines.
• Maintain 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% employer-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, plus 401(k) and 457 savings 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, electronics, and entertainment discounts.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Potential $416.66 monthly investigative pay increase for eligible hires, subject to the conditions and timing described in the posting.
• DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and an opportunity to earn additional compensation.

What This Job Offers

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