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.


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

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: CPI Special Investigator Trainee Job Title: CPI SI Investigator III Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Special Investigations Posting Number: 17089 Closing Date: 07/14/2026 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: Days (First) Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 75% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: HARLINGEN Job Location Address: 801 N 13TH STE 19 Other Locations: Harlingen; Edinburg; Raymondville 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.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

To explore more of what Investigation Specialists do, click here.

For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more DFPS, please click here. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.


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.
• Assesses 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.

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:

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).

This position may be filled at a CPI Senior Investigator Trainee or a CPI Senior Investigator III. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when determining the classification to be used for hire.


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. If you leave Family Investigations or AR and return within the last 12-months, the INV stipend is given immediately. All other situations must wait the 120 days to receive the INV stipend.

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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at View email address on click.appcast.io with additional questions.

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.


DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized 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 on-line 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 in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.