CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Posting ID: 17089 - Department: Family & Protective Services - Division: Special Investigations - Title: CPI SI Investigator III - Location: Harlingen, Edinburg, Raymondville - Salary Range: $4,748.95 - $5,921.25 Monthly - Telework: Not Eligible - Travel: Up to 75% - Shift: Day - Full Time: Yes The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. Eligibility Notice This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer. It is not an entry‑level opportunity. Only candidates with a solid background in investigative roles within law enforcement will be considered. Overview Work involves investigating cases that are of a high‑profile or high‑risk and may require a joint investigation with local law enforcement due to alleged criminal acts. You assist DFPS investigation supervisors by providing consultation and assistance to the investigation of complex cases. You provide forensic investigation techniques and investigation skills, accompany DFPS staff on investigations, and provide information on criminal statutes, law enforcement procedures, and legal issues when circumstances warrant. You provide feedback to DFPS staff on effective investigation techniques from a law‑enforcement perspective, carry a small caseload within the unit, and provide training and serve as a consultant to DFPS staff. You interact routinely with DFPS staff, supervisors, clients, law enforcement professionals, medical professionals, legal professionals and others involved in the investigative process. You attend civil and criminal court proceedings as required. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect. Serve as a resource and trainer to DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques. Identify and provide training needs in forensic child abuse and neglect investigation. Provide expert consultation on complex forensic child abuse and neglect issues. Conduct in‑depth interviews to determine immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect; model advanced interviewing techniques for others. Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine the degree and type of agency intervention needed. Prepare documentation (forms, narratives) and testify in court for all necessary court cases. Review cases identified by Child Safety Specialists for specific risk factors or assistance with forensic investigation techniques. Attend required training and professional development. Perform other duties to maintain unit operations. Promote cultural diversity respect among coworkers and all contacts. Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Develop and maintain communication and working relationships within and outside the agency. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law relating to abuse and neglect of children. Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques. Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics. Knowledge of community resources within the law‑enforcement community. Skill in forensic interviewing of children and adults. Skill in determining risk of harm to children. Skill in applying crisis intervention techniques. Skill in investigating and resolving difficult child abuse or neglect cases. Skill in verbal and written communication. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agency staff, law‑enforcement personnel, and community stakeholders. Ability to evaluate investigation records against departmental standards for quality. Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings. Ability to train staff in forensic interview techniques. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Valid Texas Driver's License. Required: TCOLE Intermediate License, out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification, or Military experience comparable to a Texas Peace Officer. Preferred: Current or recent Licensed Texas Peace Officer; TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License or equivalent; out‑of‑state or federal law‑enforcement licenses comparable to Texas Peace Officer. Initial Criteria Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent. Five years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable certification). OR three years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable) AND 2 years experience in DFPS Child Protection Investigations OR completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during prior DFPS employment. Experience acquired through military police or criminal investigative service (e.g., Army MOS31B/31D, Marine Corps5811/5821, NavyMA, Air Force3P0X1/7S0X1, or equivalent) considered qualifying experience. Preferred: 60 hours college credit; 2 years as a Detective/Investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect; experience using forensic investigative skills (interviewing suspects, evidence collection, statements, report writing). Additional Information Applicants selected for this position are eligible to receive a $416.66 monthly increase in addition to the base salary after 120 days of tenure. The increase is awarded upon entering an investigative position and may be continued if the individual remains in an investigative role. Frequent travel (up to 60% of the time) to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region is required; reliable transportation and willingness to travel are essential. Some overnight travel may also be required. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and (if applicable) a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees must comply with security and integrity requirements of Section117.001(2) and must complete related training and abide by agency cybersecurity and communication system usage policies. DFPS staff must be familiar with WCAG2.1AA and Section508 accessibility standards. DFPS uses E-Verify. New hires must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DFPS agencies provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr