CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Posting Information Posting ID: 18354 Dept of Family & Protective Services – Special Investigations – Protective Services Functional Title: CPI Special Investigator Trainee Job Title: CPI Special Investigator Train Agency: Dept of Family & Protective Services Department: Special Investigations Posting Number: 18354 Closing Date: 08/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $4,748.95 - $5,921.25 per month Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 Shift: Day Additional Shift: None Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 75% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Job Location City: Houston Job Location Address: 3 Northpoint Dr Other Locations: None Brief Job Description Important Notice: This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer. 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: The work involves investigating high‑profile or high‑risk cases that may require joint investigations with local law enforcement due to alleged criminal acts. The investigator assists DFPS Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance, contributing forensic investigation techniques, and offering information on criminal statutes, law enforcement procedures, and legal issues when circumstances warrant. The role may include a small caseload, training for DFPS staff, and serving as a consultant. 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 staff development and training needs related to forensic child abuse and neglect investigation. Provide expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex forensic child abuse and neglect investigations. Conduct in‑depth interviews to accurately obtain information and determine immediate or long‑term risk of abuse or neglect; model advanced interviewing techniques for other workers. Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine the 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, and 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 to ensure staff develop and implement appropriate casework actions and 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, especially 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 issues of domestic violence, substance abuse, and criminal activity. Knowledge of community resources, especially 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 a Texas Peace Officer. Preferred: Current licensed Texas Peace Officer or a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Texas within 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. Credentials from an out‑of‑state law enforcement agency, Federal Law Enforcement Agency, or United States Military equivalent to a Texas Peace Officer. 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 two 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; two 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. The increase is awarded the first of the month following 120 days of tenure. Remaining in an investigative position is required to continue receiving the increase. 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. Staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. DFPS uses E-Verify. Please provide I‑9 documentation on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the U.S. See for acceptable documents. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate, please notify the person scheduling the interview. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY