Child Protective Investigator

Child Protective Investigations (CPI) 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. The position, under the direction of a child placement supervisor, performs advanced social work related to protective services, intake, child abuse or neglect, assessment, Alternative Response, foster care and adoptions. Work involves making determinations of appropriate actions necessary to resolve family emotional and/or physical stress situations which cause child abuse or neglect. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, clients, representatives from various organizations, community resources, and the general public. Newly hired employees holding a Master's Degree in Social Worker may qualify for an increase at the point of hire. HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE: To explore more of what Child Protective Investigations Specialist do, click here. For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more DFPS, please click here. You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you.
DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Revised 03/23/2026
• Determines the causes/factors of abuse/neglect to children to assess
current or future risk to children by gathering information from parents,
family members, and others; interviewing and examining children;
assessing home environment; and gathering pertinent information from
other sources.
• Collaborates and works with the family to determine strengths, needs and
action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety
of a child to include referring family for crisis intervention therapy or other
community resources, testifying in court to seek emergency protective
services, and placing children in substitute care.
• Enters contact, documentation information and narratives into the
Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System within
required agency time frames.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships between families,
Child Protective Services staff and law enforcement officials, judicial
officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and other community
resources, to achieve a positive outcome.
• Attends and participates in training/meetings/staffings.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit
operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity
among families, coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of family dynamics.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of extensive engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of Child Protective Services policy and procedures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with other professionals in the community.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to
complete job functions.