CPI Master Investigator V
About The Position
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) position conducts investigations in counties across Texas experiencing a high number of delinquent investigations. Work includes new and/or delinquent investigations, high-profile cases, and consultation and assistance to staff regarding complex protective services cases and issues. The investigator also mentors and trains investigation staff. The position may be housed at any DFPS office in any region and requires at least four days of out-of-region travel per week, depending on deployment location. The position is not eligible for telework. The role investigates reports of child abuse and neglect, assesses current or future risks to children, and determines steps to address immediate threats to child safety. It involves interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environments; gathering information; documenting work in the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System; and coordinating with law enforcement, courts, legal resources, medical professionals, and community organizations. The position is full-time, regular, and nonexempt, with a day shift. The listed monthly salary range is $4,523.16–$7,253.83. DFPS describes benefits for full-time State of Texas employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, optional dental, vision and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and employee discounts. Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
- Either 18 months of employment as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III and Child Protective Specialist Certification, previous employment as a Child Protective Services Specialist III at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, or experience as a Child Protective Services Special Investigator.
- Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and Child Protective Investigation policy and procedures.
- Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and in effective verbal and written communication.
- Skill in developing effective working relationships with CPS staff, law enforcement, and community members.
- Skill in investigating and resolving difficult child abuse or neglect cases.
- Ability to evaluate investigation records against department quality and quantity standards.
- Ability to review open investigations and determine actions needed to ensure child safety before case closure.
- Ability to use Tablet PC functions, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work with community professionals and assist employees experiencing job adjustment or performance problems.
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently with limited supervision.
- Ability to travel statewide for extended periods; the posting specifies at least four days per week of out-of-region travel depending on deployment location.
- Selected applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver's record check.
- Must complete required security and cybersecurity training and follow agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies.
Nice To Haves
- Current experience as a CPI Investigator IV.
Responsibilities
- Investigate reports of child abuse and neglect to assess current or future risk, including interviewing parents, family members, and others; interviewing and examining children; assessing home environments; and gathering information from other sources.
- Determine actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety, including testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, and referring families to crisis intervention therapy or community resources.
- Enter contacts, documentation, and narratives into the Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within required agency time frames.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Child Protective Investigations staff, law enforcement, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community resources.
- Conduct new and/or delinquent investigations in counties with high numbers of delinquent investigations.
- Conduct high-profile investigations and provide consultation and assistance to staff on complex protective services cases and issues.
- Mentor and train investigation staff.
- Attend and participate in training, meetings, and staffings.
- Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
- Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity 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 with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings options.
- 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 expenses.
- Employee discounts, including gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
- May qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
