CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Wichita Falls, TX

7d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Investigation Worker Trainee works in Child Protective Investigations, Family Investigations and Alternative Response, responding to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect and assessing children’s safety and risk of future harm. The role involves gathering and evaluating information, working with families to address safety concerns, and making decisions that may significantly affect children and families. This is a mobile, field-based position—not a traditional office or work-from-home job—with frequent face-to-face contact in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other community locations. Employees may also be directed to work from an office.

Requirements

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 techniques.
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 a rotating on-call schedule and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in emotionally charged environments and conduct visits in isolated or high-crime areas, potentially encountering substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
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 its passenger or cargo load; proof of driving record, insurance, and license is required.
For Specialist I eligibility: 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 be paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II eligibility, in addition to the stated education and relevant-work-experience pathways: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist I for nine months and Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as a Specialist II in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist III eligibility, in addition to the stated education and relevant-work-experience pathways: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II for nine months and Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as a Specialist III in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist IV eligibility, in addition to the stated education and relevant-work-experience pathways: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III for 24 months and Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or previous employment as a Specialist IV in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

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, 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 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 injuries or other 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 matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
Determine how 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 or community services.
Document relevant 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 business hours, including overnight and weekends.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and community members.
Prioritize work and meet deadlines while working flexible hours and managing competing demands.
Maintain objectivity and empathy when working with families in stressful or crisis situations.
Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings; perform other duties needed 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 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance.
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.
A $416.66 monthly investigative-position increase, beginning the first of the month after 120 days of tenure, subject to the stated eligibility conditions.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.