CPI Investigator Trainee — Crisis Response & Growth

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services seeks a Child Protective Investigations Specialist to conduct thorough investigations of child abuse and neglect, interview involved parties, and assess safety and risk for children.

The role involves crisis response, coordination with law enforcement and service providers, and ensuring timely documentation and case management in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in social, human, or protective services preferred.
• Ability to travel and attend visits after 5pm is required.

Responsibilities

• 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 assesses risk.
• Observes children for signs of harm and evaluates if signs are due to abuse or neglect.
• Interviews parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, and others familiar with the case.
• Assesses child safety and takes necessary actions to protect the child, including removal when needed.
• Communicates with families about sensitive and private matters related to parenting, abuse, income, and relationships.
• Determines actions to reduce immediate threats and may testify in court for emergency protective services.
• Documents all relevant information and completes forms accurately and timely.
• Gathers family and kinship information to support placement decisions if DFPS custody is involved.
• Participates in on-call rotation after normal business hours, including overnights and weekends.
• Develops and maintains relationships with law enforcement, judicial officials, medical professionals, and the community.

Skills

Child development

Family dynamics

Verbal & written communication

Relationship building

Problem solving

Computer skills

Evening/on-call readiness

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Associate’s degree + 2 years

60 college credit hours + 2 years

90 college credit hours + 1 year

Job description

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services seeks a Child Protective Investigations Specialist to conduct thorough investigations of child abuse and neglect, interview involved parties, and assess safety and risk for children.

The role involves crisis response, coordination with law enforcement and service providers, and ensuring timely documentation and case management in a demanding environment.