CPI Special Investigator Trainee

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 Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is a specialized position requiring previous experience as a police officer. This is not an entry-level opportunity.

Professional Background: Only candidates with a solid background in investigative roles as a sworn law enforcement officer/police officer will be considered for this position.

OVERVIEW
Work involves investigating cases that are of a high profile or high-risk and may require a joint investigation with local law enforcement due to alleged criminal acts. Assists the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Investigation Supervisors by providing consultation and assistance to the investigation of complex cases. Provide forensic investigation techniques and investigation skills. Accompanies DFPS staff on investigations and provides information on criminal statutes, law enforcement procedures, and legal issues when circumstances warrant. Provides feedback to DFPS staff on effective investigation techniques from a law enforcement perspective and serves as a consultant to DFPS staff. Interacts routinely with DFPS staff, supervisors, clients, law enforcement professionals, medical professionals, legal professionals and others involved in the investigative process. Attends civil and criminal court proceedings as required.

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 about 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Conducts specialized investigations of child abuse and neglect, to include child death investigations and public/private school investigations, as required by management.
• Serves as a resource to DFPS Staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Provides expert consultation to DFPS staff and the community on complex issues associated with forensic child abuse and neglect investigations.
• Conducts in-depth interviews to accurately obtain information to determine immediate or long-term risk of abuse or neglect; models advanced interviewing techniques for other workers.
• Assesses family dynamics and functioning to determine degree and type of agency intervention needed.
• Prepares and provides sufficient case documentation (including forms and narratives) to provide a complete and accurate record on cases, including legal documentation or testifying in court for all necessary court cases.
• Attends training and participates in professional development as required by agency and/or supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Develops and maintains communication and working relationships within and outside the agency, particularly with professionals associated with law enforcement investigations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Supervisor will determine appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of Texas criminal and civil law relating to abuse and neglect of children.
• Knowledge of forensic interviewing techniques.
• Knowledge of normal child development and family dynamics, including problem areas of domestic violence, substance abuse, criminal activity.
• Knowledge of community resources, particularly within the law enforcement community, and their use for addressing child abuse and neglect problems.
• Skill in forensic interviewing of children and adults.
• Skill in determining risk of harm to children.
• Skill in applying crisis intervention techniques.
• Skill in investigating and resolving difficult child abuse or neglect cases.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, agency staff, law enforcement personnel and community stakeholders.
• Ability to evaluate investigation records in relation to the department standards for quality.
• Ability to analyze reports and produce comprehensive documents regarding findings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas Driver's License

TCOLE Intermediate License, out of state Peace Officer license, Federal Law Enforcement Officer Certification or Military experience comparable to Texas Peace Officer.

Preferred:

A current, Licensed Texas Peace Officer or have been a licensed Peace Officer in the State of Texas in the past two years.

TCOLE Advance or Master Peace Officer License or equivalent from an out of state law enforcement agency or the United States Military.

Out of state law enforcement agency, Federal Law Enforcement Agency or United State Military licenses and certifications comparable to a Texas Peace Officer are acceptable.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Five years as a Peace Officer with investigation duties related to property crimes and/or crimes against persons.
• Experience involving the use of forensic investigation skills is a must. Examples of desired forensic investigation skills are: interviewing and locating suspects, victims and witnesses, collecting evidence, experience in obtaining credible and reliable victim, witness and suspect statements and report writing.
• Substitution for Intermediate TCOLE Certification: Basic Peace Officer License through TCOLE or comparable out of state agency, military, or federal law enforcement agency certifications and two years as a CPI Investigator.

Preferred:

• Sixty (60) hours college credit from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years’ experience as a Detective/Investigator investigating and working with multidisciplinary teams on the investigation of child abuse and neglect or other crimes against persons.

This position may be filled at a CPI Senior Investigator Trainee or a CPI Senior Investigator IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when determining the classification to be used for hire.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.