Field CPS Investigator Trainee — Protecting Children

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid vacation/holidays/sick leave

Dental, vision, and life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee Spec I for mobile, field-based investigations protecting children and families. You will respond to reports, gather and assess information, and make informed decisions under pressure in diverse community settings.

This role requires extensive fieldwork, regular collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and courts, and significant travel across the state.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Problem solving techniques and critical thinking.
• Proficient with personal computers and documentation.
• Willingness to travel for child/family visits and be on call.
• Ability to work in field and in high-stress environments.

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 occurred and assesses risk.
• Observes children for signs of harm and determines if signs are from abuse or neglect.
• Interviews parents, caregivers, reporters, family members, and others familiar with the family.
• Assesses child safety and takes actions to protect the child as appropriate.
• Discusses parenting decisions and sensitive matters with families in an objective manner.
• Determines actions to remove or reduce immediate threats to child safety and may testify in court.
• Documents all relevant information and completes required forms timely.
• Gathers information to support child placement if DFPS custody is considered.
• Participates in regular on-call rotations and may work after hours, weekends, or holidays.
• Builds effective relationships with law enforcement, judicial, medical staff, and community partners.
• Works under deadlines and maintains documentation under pressure.
• Maintains objectivity and empathy in crisis situations.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Knowledge of family dynamics

Verbal and written communication

Establishing and maintaining workingl

Problem solving techniques

Personal computer operations

On-call / irregular hours

Travel for visits

Field investigation experience

Job description

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) seeks a CPI Investigation Worker Trainee Spec I for mobile, field-based investigations protecting children and families. You will respond to reports, gather and assess information, and make informed decisions under pressure in diverse community settings.

This role requires extensive fieldwork, regular collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and courts, and significant travel across the state.