Job Overview:

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.

Duties:

· Responds quickly in crisis situations involving children who may be in an abusive or neglectful situation. Sometimes these situations can be dangerous.

· Conducts forensic investigations of reports of abuse/neglect to children to determine if abuse or neglect occurred and conducts assessments to determine the current or future risk of harm to children.

· Observes children for signs of any harm and assess the signs to determine if they are the result of abuse or neglect. This could involve children with serious injuries and child fatalities.

· Interviews people in the case such as the parents, caregivers, person who reports the concern, family members, and others familiar with the family situation. This may include medical staff, teachers, law enforcement, etc.

· Assesses child safety and takes the necessary actions to protect the child as appropriate. This could include removing a child from their family.

· Talks frankly and objectively with families about matters they may consider personal and private, such as parenting decisions and actions, sexual abuse, income, money management, and personal relationships.

· Determines action to be taken to remove or to reduce an immediate threat to the safety of a child to include working with families to identify family members who can assist with keeping the child safe, testifying in court to seek emergency protective services, placing children in substitute care, referring family for immediate crisis intervention therapy or other community resources.

· Documents all relevant and appropriate information gathered during the investigation and completes all required forms accurately and in a timely manner.

· Gathers family and kinship information to support the child in a placement, should the child be placed in DFPS custody.

· Participates in a regular on-call rotation that requires response to situations of abuse/neglect after normal business hours including overnight and weekend.

· Develops and maintains effective working relationships with law enforcement officials, judicial officials, legal resources, medical professionals, and the community.

· Works under constant deadlines that require prioritizing tasks and the ability to work flexible hours.

· Maintains a balance of objectivity and empathy for families living in stressful and crisis situations.

· 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 and competency among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

· Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Requirements:

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.
- 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 Investigations Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or CPS Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II or CPS Specialist II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist III: Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist II for 9 months AND have received Advanced Child Protective Investigations Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or CPS Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III or Child Protective Specialist III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV: Employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist III for 24 months AND have received Senior Advanced Child Protective Investigations Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or CPS Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services OR previously employed as a Child Protective Investigations Specialist IV or CPS Specialist IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
- Experience working with children in crisis or vulnerable situations
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage conflicts and crisis situations effectively
- Knowledge of motivational interviewing techniques
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Must pass a background check

This position may be filled at any level from a CPI Investigations Specialist I to CPI Investigations Specialist IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary.

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

These requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. These are typical requirements; however, reasonable accommodations are possible.

Physical Activities: He/she is frequently asked to stand, hear and talk; he/she is occasionally asked to climb.

Physical Demands: The incumbent typically performs work that requires him/her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Visual Requirements: The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet. In addition, he/she must be able to adjust his/her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his/her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions.

Working Conditions: He/she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in need. If you are passionate about child welfare and have the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding Investigator role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $3,816.65 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults
• Children

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Dallas, TX: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: On the road