CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Job Title and Agency Functional Title: CPI Special Investigator Trainee Job Title: CPI SI Investigator III Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services Department: Special Investigations Posting Number: 16397 Closing Date: 07/13/2026 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Range: $4,748.95-$5,921.25 Shift: Day Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 75% Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Job Location City: DALLAS Job Location Address: 1111 W LEDBETTER STE 150 About the Position This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer or equivalent experience. This is not an entry‑level opportunity. Professional Background: Only candidates with a solid background in investigative roles within law enforcement will be considered for this position. 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. Assists the DFPS Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance to the investigation of complex cases. Provides forensic investigation techniques and investigation skills. Accompanies DFPS staff on investigations and provides information on criminal statutes, law enforcement procedures, and legal issues when circumstances warrant. Provides feedback to DFPS staff on effective investigation techniques from a law enforcement perspective, may carry a small caseload within the unit, and provides training to and serves as a consultant to DFPS staff. Interacts routinely with DFPS staff, supervisors, clients, law enforcement professionals, medical professionals, legal professionals and others involved in the investigative process. Attends civil and criminal court proceedings as required. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect, as required by management. Serve as a resource and trainer to DFPS Staff on forensic interview skills and techniques. Identify and provide for staff development and training needs in the area of forensic child abuse and neglect investigation to achieve and enhance quality performance of unit staff. Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations. Conduct in‑depth interviews to accurately obtain information to determine immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect; model advanced interviewing techniques for other workers. Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine degree and type of agency intervention needed. Prepare and provide sufficient case documentation (including forms and narratives) to provide a complete and accurate record on cases, including legal documentation or testifying in court for all necessary court cases. Review cases identified by Child Safety Specialists for specific risk factors or assistance with forensic investigation techniques, in order to ensure staff develop and implement appropriate casework actions and case plans. Attend training and participate in professional development as required by agency and/or supervisor. Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work‑related contacts. Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Develop and maintain communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations. Knowledge, Skills, and 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, including problem areas of domestic violence, substance abuse, criminal activity. Knowledge of community resources, particularly within the law enforcement community, and their use for addressing child abuse and neglect problems. 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 in relation to the department 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 TCOLE Intermediate License, out of state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification or Military experience comparable to Texas Peace Officer. Preferred Qualifications A current, Licensed Texas Peace Officer or have been a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Texas in the past two years. TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License or equivalent from an out of state law enforcement agency or the United States Military. Out of state law enforcement agency, Federal Law Enforcement Agency or United State Military licenses and certifications comparable to a Texas Peace Officer are acceptable. Initial Criteria Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent. Five years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable out-of-state/military/federal certification). OR Three years as a TCOLE Licensed Peace Officer (or comparable out-of-state/military/federal certification), and 2 years’ experience in DFPS Child Protection Investigations or completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during previous DFPS employment. Experience acquired through military police or military criminal investigative service (e.g., Army MOS 31B/31D, Marine Corps 5811/5821, Navy MA, Air Force 3P0X1/7S0X1, or equivalent) will be considered qualifying experience for all the above criteria, where applicable. Preferred: 60 hours college credit; 2 years as a Detective/Investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect or similar. Experience using forensic investigation skills (interviewing suspects, collecting evidence, obtaining statements, report writing). Additional Information Applicants selected for this position are also eligible to receive a $416.66 monthly increase in addition to the base salary. Applicants hired into an investigative position will receive this increase the first of the month following 120 days of tenure. Once employed, the incumbent must remain in an investigative position to continue to receive the additional pay. This role requires frequent travel to homes and offices both within and outside your assigned region. Reliable transportation and a strong willingness to travel are essential, as you can expect to be on the road about 60% of the time. While much of your travel will be local, there will be instances—including last‑minute situations—where you’ll need to go outside your assigned counties, sometimes with little notice. Some overnight travel is also required, especially during initial training held outside your area and as cases demand. Flexibility is critical, as our mission to protect the most vulnerable means you must be ready to serve clients wherever and whenever you are needed. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies. As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. Nearest Markets Nearest Major Market: Dallas Nearest Secondary Market: Fort Worth #J-18808-Ljbffr