CPI Investigation Worker Trainee

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Please note that this position can be house at any of the DFPS offices located in Bexar County.

Child Protective Investigations (CPI), Family Investigations and Alternative Response (FIAR) Investigators play a critical role in protecting children and strengthening families. Investigators respond to reports of alleged child abuse or neglect, gather and assess information, evaluate child safety and future risk, and work with families to address concerns and reduce the likelihood of future harm. They are responsible for making informed decisions that can significantly impact the lives of children and families.

This is a mobile, field-based position where the work occurs where children and families live, learn, and receive services. Investigators spend much of their time in homes, schools, hospitals, childcare facilities, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other community locations. This is not a traditional office job and is not a work-from-home position. The core responsibilities of the job require regular face-to-face contact with children, families, caregivers, and community partners. While technology supports the work, the work itself happens in the field. Employees may also be required to work from an office location when directed by their supervisor.

The position requires flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. A typical day may involve interviewing children and families, coordinating with schools, medical professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, and courts, responding to urgent safety concerns, and completing extensive documentation. Investigators must quickly absorb, assess, and act upon large amounts of information while balancing multiple active cases, urgent child safety concerns, court obligations, extensive documentation requirements, and competing demands from families, community partners, supervisors, and agency leadership. The work requires the ability to make informed decisions under pressure, adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, and maintain thorough and timely documentation despite a fast-paced and unpredictable workload.

The work is often physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Investigators may encounter families experiencing crisis, substance abuse, family violence, mental health challenges, or other significant stressors. They may enter environments ranging from professional settings such as hospitals and courtrooms to homes that are unsanitary, isolated, or potentially unsafe. Investigators must remain professional, objective, and compassionate while addressing difficult and emotionally charged situations.

Work schedules are dictated by the safety needs of children and families, not by a traditional 8-to-5 workday. Extended workdays, after-hours responses, weekend work, and holiday work are common aspects of the job. Investigators frequently encounter situations that require immediate action and may remain on duty until a child's safety has been assured, regardless of the hour. Significant travel is required and may include unexpected long-distance trips across the state with little advance notice. Investigators must be prepared to adjust plans, manage competing demands, and respond to emerging situations whenever and wherever the work requires.

This career is not for everyone. The workload is demanding, the subject matter can be heartbreaking, and the responsibility is significant. However, for individuals who are mission-driven and committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, the work provides a unique opportunity to create meaningful and lasting impact. People who thrive in this role are those who remain focused on the mission, even during the most challenging days, because they understand that their efforts can profoundly change the trajectory of a child's life.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

To explore more of what Investigation Specialists 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 th