Field CPS Investigator Trainee Protecting Children

Department-of-Family-and-Protective-Services; Bryan (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid health insurance for you

Retirement plans with lifetime monthly

Paid vacation and holidays

Optional dental, vision, life

Flexible spending accounts

Employee discounts

Job summary

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring Child Protective Investigations Specialists I–IV in Bryan for a mobile field role.

The position requires investigations into child abuse/neglect, extensive documentation, and collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and courts. A bachelor’s or equivalent pathway is required. Significant travel (up to 60-85%) is expected, with on-call duties and flexible hours in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development, family dynamics, and KSAs for protective investigations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish relationships.
• Able to travel extensively, in-field investigations, and work irregular hours.
• Bachelor’s or higher preferred; multiple pathways listed for entry with degrees/credit hours.

Responsibilities

• Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children.
• Conducts forensic investigations to determine abuse/neglect.
• Observes children for signs of harm and assesses risk.
• Interviews parents, caregivers, and others familiar with the family.
• Documents all relevant information and completes forms timely.
• Travels extensively to homes, schools, and community locations.
• Works in a mobile unit, outside traditional office settings.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Knowledge of family dynamics

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal/relationship building

Problem solving

Operate a computer

Travel after 5pm

On-call / irregular hours

Work in emotional environments

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree + 2 years

60 credit hours + 2 years

90 credit hours + 1 year

Job description

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is hiring Child Protective Investigations Specialists I–IV in Bryan for a mobile field role.

The position requires investigations into child abuse/neglect, extensive documentation, and collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and courts. A bachelor’s or equivalent pathway is required. Significant travel (up to 60-85%) is expected, with on-call duties and flexible hours in a demanding environment.