CPI Special Investigator Trainee

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. Benefits for Full‑time Employees 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 options Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Overview The CPI Special Investigator Trainee conducts specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect, supporting DFPS Investigation Supervisors and DFPS staff with forensic interviewing, risk assessment, and case documentation. The role requires collaboration with law enforcement, medical, legal, and community professionals and attendance at civil and criminal court proceedings as required. Essential Job Functions Conduct specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect as directed by management Serve as a resource and trainer for DFPS staff on forensic interview skills and techniques Identify and provide staff development and training needs in forensic child abuse and neglect investigation Provide expert consultation on complex forensic child abuse and neglect cases Conduct in‑depth interviews to assess immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine agency intervention needs Prepare and provide comprehensive case documentation, including court testimony Review cases for specific risk factors and provide forensic investigation guidance Attend required training and participate in professional development Perform other duties as assigned to support unit operations Promote respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and contacts Maintain attendance in accordance with agency leave policy Develop and maintain communication with external law‑enforcement and community professionals Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law related to child abuse and neglect Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics, including domestic violence and substance abuse 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 department standards for quality Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings Ability to train staff in forensic interview techniques Licensure Requirements Valid Texas Driver's License TCOLE Intermediate License, out‑of‑state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification, or comparable military experience Preferred: Current Texas Peace Officer license or held within the last two years; TCOLE Advance or Master license or equivalent from an out‑of‑state agency or military Qualifications 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 with two years’ experience in DFPS Child Protection Investigations, or completion of DFPS Special Investigator training during prior DFPS employment Militarily acquired investigative experience (e.g., Army MOS 31B/31D, Marine Corps 5811/5821, Navy MA, Air Force 3P0X1/7S0X1) considered qualifying Preferred: 60 college‑credit hours; two years as a detective/investigator with multidisciplinary teams on child abuse/neglect, and experience using forensic investigation skills Travel and Work Requirements Frequent travel to homes and offices within and outside the assigned region is required. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel—approximately 60% of the time—are essential. Overnight travel may be required during initial training and as cases demand. Equal Opportunity Employment DFPS is an equal opportunity employer. If you need reasonable accommodations during the hiring and selection process, please notify the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center. #J-18808-Ljbffr