CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

Functional Title: CPI Investigation Worker Trainee Job Title: CPI INV Trainee Spec I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: CPS Investigations Region 6B Posting Number: 18629 Closing Date: 07/17/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $3,816.65–$5,372.41 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 Shift: Day 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: BELLVILLE Job Location Address: 602 E HACIENDA ST Benefits 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 Brief Job Description Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators investigate claims of child abuse and neglect. They have the difficult task of figuring out what happened and predicting what will happen in the future. CPI receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect 24 hours per day, every day of the year. A CPI investigation includes interviewing and gathering information to see if abuse or neglect happened and if intervention is necessary. The investigator considers both risk and safety issues and may recommend services for the child and family to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect. Essential Job Functions Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation. Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and conducts assessments to determine the current or future risk of harm to children. Observes children for signs of any harm and assesses the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect. Interviews people in the case such as parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and others familiar with the family situation. Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate. Talks frankly and objectively with families about matters they may consider personal and private. Determines action to be taken to remove or reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child and may work with families, testifying in court, placing children in substitute care, or referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources. Documents all relevant information gathered during the investigation and completes all required forms accurately and in a timely manner. Gathers family and kinship information to support the child in a placement, should the child be placed in DFPS custody. Participates in a regular on-call rotation that requires response to situations of abuse/neglect after normal business hours including overnight and weekend. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and the community. Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours. Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathy for families living in stressful and crisis situations. Attends and participates in training, meetings, and staffings. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of child development. Knowledge of family dynamics. Skill in effective verbal and written communication. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skill in problem solving techniques. Ability to operate a personal computer. Ability to travel and attend child and family visits and other appointments after 5pm. Ability to be on call on a rotating basis and work irregular hours. Ability to work in an emotion-filled environment and conduct home visits in isolated or high crime areas that may involve exposure to substandard living conditions. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years, a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load, and must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license. Initial Screening Criteria Child Protective Investigations Specialist I requires an accredited Bachelor's degree or an accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience. Child Protective Investigations Specialist II requires an accredited Bachelor's degree or an accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience. Employment as a Specialist I for 9 months and certification or current employment as a Specialist II in DFPS also qualifies. Child Protective Investigations Specialist III requires an accredited Bachelor's degree or an accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience. Employment as a Specialist II for 9 months and certification or current employment as a Specialist III in DFPS also qualifies. Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV requires an accredited Bachelor's degree or an accredited Associate's degree plus two years of relevant work experience or 60 accredited college credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience or 90 accredited college credit hours plus one year of relevant work experience. Employment as a Specialist III for 24 months and certification or current employment as a Specialist IV in DFPS also qualifies. Preferred Criteria Degree in Social Work, Human Services (Psychology, Sociology, Child & Family Studies, or Counseling), or Criminal Justice. Prior work experience in human services, social work, mental health, legal, or criminal justice fields. Typing and writing proficiency or writing-related experience/education. Additional Information Applicants may be filled at any level from Specialist I to Specialist IV. Salary may be influenced by education and experience. Eligible employees may receive a $416.66 monthly increase in addition to the base salary after 120 days of tenure. The increase is granted only while in an investigative position. This position will be in a mobile unit, requiring use of mobile technology such as a tablet. The employee will work independently while staying responsive to supervision. Newly hired employees will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone. Physical and Other Requirements Physical Activities: frequently stand, hear and talk; occasionally climb. Physical Demands: may require exertion up to 20 pounds occasionally or up to 10 pounds frequently or a negligible force constantly. Visual Requirements: must see objects clearly at 20 inches or less and at 20 or more feet, adjust focus, distinguish colors, see peripheral view and in three dimensions. Working Conditions: majority work outside office, exposure to adverse environmental conditions including extreme heat, wetness, humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights. Required frequent travel, including locations outside assigned region, overnight travel, and last-minute calls. Compliance and Other Requirements Applicants must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check. State of Texas employees must maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2). Applicants must complete related training and abide by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies. DFPS must ensure all Electronic Information Resources follow accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508). Employees must be familiar with these standards for Microsoft Office documents, PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, videos and audio files. DFPS uses E-Verify. New employees must bring I‑9 documentation on the first day of work. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. Military Applicants All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY