CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Grand Prairie, TX

5d•$3,817 - $5,372•Onsite

About The Position

The CPI Investigation Worker Trainee (job title: CPI Investigator I) works in Child Protective Investigations, Family Investigations and Alternative Response to respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of harm. Investigators make decisions that can significantly affect children and families. This is a mobile, field-based role, not a traditional office or work-from-home position. Work takes place in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations, with office work as directed by a supervisor. The role involves frequent face-to-face contact, extensive documentation, coordination with community partners, and managing active cases and urgent safety needs under deadlines. Investigators must exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain objective, professional, and compassionate in difficult situations. The work can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter crises, abuse, neglect, substance use, family violence, mental health challenges, and unsafe or unsanitary environments. Schedules are driven by child and family safety needs and may include extended workdays, after-hours responses, overnight and weekend on-call duties, holidays, and significant travel, sometimes at short notice. Travel is expected to take about 60% of the time, with occasional overnight travel. The position is in a mobile unit and uses mobile technology such as a tablet; newly hired employees in eligible positions are assigned a DFPS cellular phone. The position may be filled at a level from Child Protective Investigations Specialist I through IV, with education and experience potentially considered in setting starting salary. Eligible investigative hires may receive a $416.66 monthly increase after the specified tenure period. DFPS offers a certification program intended to support professional development and career advancement.

Requirements

Meet the stated initial screening criteria for the applicable specialist level: 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 work may be paid or volunteer work in social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
For Specialist II, III, or IV levels, meet the applicable additional DFPS employment and certification requirements described in the posting, including specified time in the preceding specialist level and the corresponding certification, or qualifying current or prior DFPS employment at that level.
Knowledge of child development and family dynamics.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and use 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, including home visits in isolated or high-crime areas and potential 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; provide proof of driving record, insurance, and license.
Pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.
Ability and willingness to travel frequently, including outside the assigned region and sometimes with little notice; some overnight travel is required.
Meet the role’s physical requirements, including frequently standing, hearing, and talking; occasional climbing; and exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Social Work, Human Services (such as 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 ability.
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 situations that may be dangerous.
Conduct forensic investigations of abuse and neglect reports and assess current and future risk of harm to children.
Observe children for signs of harm and assess whether those signs may result from abuse or neglect, including in cases involving serious injuries or child 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 actions to protect children, which may include removing a child from the family.
Discuss sensitive matters objectively with families, including parenting, sexual abuse, finances, and personal relationships.
Determine and take actions to address immediate threats to child safety, including identifying supportive family members, seeking emergency protective services in court, arranging substitute care, or referring families to crisis therapy and community resources.
Document relevant information and complete required forms accurately and on time.
Gather family and kinship information to support placement if a child enters DFPS custody.
Participate in a regular on-call rotation responding to abuse and 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 meet constant deadlines while working flexible hours.
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% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
Retirement plans that provide 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.
Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
Employee discounts, including on 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 may receive a $416.66 monthly increase after the specified tenure period.
DFPS cellular phone for newly hired employees in eligible positions.