CPI Investigation Worker Trainee
Role Overview
CPI, Family Investigations, and Alternative Response investigators respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and risk, and work with families to prevent future harm.
The work is mobile and field-based, with frequent face-to-face contact in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations.
The workload is unpredictable and may involve crisis situations, difficult subject matter, extensive documentation, and emotionally demanding circumstances.
Key Skills for This Role
Full Job Posting
Agency mission
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services works to keep children and vulnerable adults safe through investigations, services, and referrals.
Role overview
CPI, Family Investigations, and Alternative Response investigators respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, assess child safety and risk, and work with families to prevent future harm.
The work is mobile and field-based, with frequent face-to-face contact in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations.
The workload is unpredictable and may involve crisis situations, difficult subject matter, extensive documentation, and emotionally demanding circumstances.
Investigation duties
- Respond to urgent child safety concerns, investigate alleged abuse or neglect, assess risk, and take appropriate protective action.
- Observe children for signs of harm and interview families, reporters, and relevant community professionals.
- Coordinate safety plans, family supports, court protections, substitute care, and referrals to crisis or community resources as needed.
- Complete accurate and timely case documentation and gather family and kinship information for possible placement.
- Maintain effective relationships with legal, law enforcement, medical, judicial, and community partners.
Schedule and travel
- Work hours are driven by child and family safety needs, not a standard 8-to-5 schedule; extended days, after-hours responses, weekends, and holidays are common.
- Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and remain on duty until a child's safety is assured when necessary.
- Significant travel is required, including possible unexpected long-distance trips across Texas; listed travel is up to 75%.
Work environment
- This is not a work-from-home or traditional office role; work takes place in the field, though office work may be directed by a supervisor.
- Visits may involve professional settings as well as isolated, unsafe, or unsanitary homes and emotionally charged family situations.
Qualifications and vehicle requirements
- Qualifying education: accredited bachelor's degree, or an accredited associate's degree plus two years of relevant experience, or 60 college credits plus two years of relevant experience, or 90 college credits plus one year of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience may include paid or volunteer social, human, or protective services serving families or other at-risk populations.
- Requires a reliable personal motor vehicle, acceptable five-year driving record, current valid Texas driver's license, and proof of license, insurance, and driving record.
- Requires ability to travel, work irregular and on-call hours, operate a personal computer, and attend visits and appointments after 5 p.m.
- Knowledge of child development and family dynamics; effective communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills; ability to work in emotionally demanding conditions.
Compensation
- Salary range is $3,816.65 to $5,372.41 per month.
- The posting describes the position as full-time and regular.
Benefits
- Benefits include paid health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation and leave, optional dental, vision, and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and employee discounts.
- Employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Development and training
DFPS offers an employee certification program intended to support professional development and career growth.
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