CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Marcos, TX

80d • $3,816 - $5,372 • Remote

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected - children, elderly, and people with disabilities - from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The position of CPI Investigation Worker Trainee involves investigating claims of child abuse and neglect, conducting forensic investigations, and assessing child safety. The role requires responding to crisis situations, interviewing involved parties, and documenting findings accurately.

Requirements

• An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and travel for work-related appointments.
• Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours.
• Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and conduct home visits in challenging conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.
• Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience/education.

Responsibilities

• Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation.
• Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to children.
• Observes children for signs of harm and assesses the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect.
• Interviews people in the case such as parents, caregivers, and others familiar with the family situation.
• Assesses child safety and takes necessary actions to protect the child.
• Documents all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation.
• Gathers family and kinship information to support the child in a placement.
• Participates in a regular on-call rotation that requires response to situations of abuse/neglect after normal business hours.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials and community resources.
• Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathy for families in crisis situations.
• Attends and participates in training/meetings/staffings.
• Performs other duties as assigned to maintain unit operations.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits.
• Special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program.
• Longevity pay.
• Generous paid leave.
• Access to the Wellness program.
• Lifetime retirement annuity.
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree