Child Protective Investigations Investigator
Job description
Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Investigators 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.
A CPI investigation includes interviewing and gathering information to see if abuse or neglect happened and if intervention is necessary. The investigator considers both risk and safety issues and may recommend services for the child and family to reduce the risk of further abuse or neglect.
WHY WORK FOR DFPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About_DFPS/mission.asp" target=_blank>Mission, Vision, & Values</a> in service to the citizens of Texas.
DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the <a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service" target=_blank>Service Loan Forgiveness Program</a>, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Health-Benefits" target=_blank>excellent health benefits</a>, special discounts on many products and services through the <a href="http://www.beneplace.com/home.jsp?Client_UserId=7195457" target=_blank>Discount Purchase Program</a>, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the <a href="https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance/Retirement" target=_blank>Employees Retirement System</a> of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
To explore more of what Investigation Specialists do, click <a href="https://www.dfps.texas.gov/Jobs/CPS/default.asp" target=_blank>here</a>.
To view a realistic online video about Child Protective Investigations workers and clients, please click <a href="http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Jobs/CPS/working_at_cps.asp" target=_blank>here</a>.
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.
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.
This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.
Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.
Applicants selected for this position are also eligible to receive a $416.66 monthly increase in addition to the base salary. Applicants hired into an investigative position will receive this increase the first of the month following 120 days of tenure. Once employed, the incumbent must remain in an investigative position to continue to receive the additional pay.
This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.
Newly hired DFPS employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Child Protective Investigations Specialist I: An accredited Bachelor's degree OR accredited Associate's degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.
Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.
Child Protective Investigations Specialist II: Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist I for 9 months AND have received Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or Child Protective Services Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Investigations Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or Child Protective Services Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Child Investigations Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Services Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or Child Protective Services Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.