CPI Special Investigator Trainee

Posting ID 19674 -Posted 08/03/2026 - Dept of Family & Protectve Svc - Special Investigations - Protective Services - Not Eligible for Telework - b. $3000 - $4999 per month 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. What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save. Here’s what you get as a full-time employee: 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for) Optional dental, vision, and life insurance —at rates much lower than most private plans Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment Functional Title: CPI Special Investigator Trainee Job Title: CPI SI Investigator III Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Special Investigations Posting Number: 19674 Closing Date: 09/02/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $4,748.95-$5,921.25 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 Shift: Day Additional Shift: None Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 85% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: MCKINNEY Job Location Address: 1701 HERITAGE DR Other Locations: None MOS Codes: 5805,5813,5819,5821,5822,7596,8012,14N,14NX,183X,1D7X1,1N0X1,1S0X1,250X,311A,31A,31B,31D,31PX,351L 351M,35A,35L,35M,3E7X1,3P0X1,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,5I0,649X,683X,71SX,749X,783X,89D,89E,EOD,INV,IS,IV,LN MA,ME,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MSSR,MST,OAP12,OAP14 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 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 Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance to the investigation of complex cases. Provide 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, 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) Conducts specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect, as required by management. Serves as a resource and trainer to DFPS Staff on forensic interview skills and techniques. Identifies and provides 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. Provides expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations. Conducts in-depth interviews to accurately obtain information to determine immediate or long-term risk of abuse or neglect; models advanced interviewing techniques for other workers. Assess family dynamics and functioning to determine degree and type of agency intervention needed. Prepares and provides 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. Reviews 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. Attends training and participates in professional development as required by agency and/or supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Develops and maintains communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Supervisor will determine appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities. 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. Ability to operate a personal computer and various software packages. Ability to operate standard office equipment including fax and copy machines. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications Valid Texas Driver's License TCOLE Intermediate License, out of state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification #J-18808-Ljbffr