CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Athens, TX

2d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Investigation Worker Trainee (CPI Investigator I) conducts Child Protective Investigations to help protect children and strengthen families. The investigator responds to reports of alleged abuse or neglect, gathers and evaluates information, assesses child safety and future risk, and works with families and community partners to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. The position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with starting salary potentially based on education and experience. This is a mobile, field-based position rather than a traditional office or work-from-home job. Most work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office attendance when directed. The role involves frequent face-to-face contact, extensive documentation, active case management, and decisions under pressure. Work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding, and may involve crisis situations, unsafe or unsanitary environments, and difficult family circumstances. Schedules are driven by children's and families' safety needs. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call duties, and holiday work are common. Frequent travel is required, including travel outside the assigned region or counties, sometimes at short notice; the posting estimates being on the road about 60% of the time and travel of up to 75%. Some overnight travel is required, including during initial training. The position requires use of the employee's reliable personal motor vehicle and a current, valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Newly hired employees in eligible positions receive a DFPS cellular phone. The position also offers eligibility for an additional monthly investigative pay increase after the stated tenure period, subject to the conditions in the posting. DFPS provides a certification program intended to support professional development, skill growth, and career advancement.

Requirements

For the Child Protective Investigations 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 experience includes paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services, such as services to families or other at-risk populations.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Problem-solving skills.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to travel and attend visits and work-related appointments or meetings after 5 p.m.
Ability to participate in rotating on-call duty and work irregular hours.
Ability to work in emotionally charged situations, including home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and exposure to substandard or unsanitary living conditions.
Reliable personal motor vehicle, acceptable driving record for the past five years, and current valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load; proof of driving record, insurance, and license must be provided.
Ability to meet the role's field-work and travel demands, including frequent travel and some overnight travel.
Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
Applicants selected for hire must provide documentation verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Degree in social work, human services (including psychology, sociology, child and 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 and Spanish skills.
Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience or education.
For Specialist II: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist I for nine months and receipt of Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as a Specialist II in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist III: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II for nine months and receipt of Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as a Specialist III in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
For Specialist IV: employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III for 24 months and receipt of Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification, or current or prior employment as a Specialist IV in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

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 and future risk of harm.
Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether injuries or other signs may result from abuse or neglect, including serious injuries and fatalities.
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, money management, and personal relationships.
Determine and carry out actions to address immediate threats, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services through court, placing children in substitute care, or referring families to crisis therapy 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.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and community partners.
Prioritize tasks and work flexible hours while meeting 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.
Travel to child and family visits and other work-related appointments and meetings, including after 5 p.m.

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 optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
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.
Additional $416.66 monthly investigative pay increase for eligible investigative-position hires, subject to the tenure and position conditions stated in the posting.
DFPS Certification Program offering professional development and a supportive learning environment, with the opportunity to earn additional compensation.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.