What is a Special Investigator?

A special investigator is an important part of a close knit unit of caseworkers and provides consultative work related to protecting children.  This type of investigator consults with other CPS staff investigating cases that are of a high profile or high-risk nature. A special investigator has a very challenging job that can be stressful at times –but there are few occupations that offer more opportunities to learn new things about families, your community and yourself. 

Sounds good, but what kinds of things will I really be doing?

• Consult with and train staff on forensic interview skills and techniques.
• Provide feedback to staff on effective investigation techniques from a law enforcement perspective.
• Investigates cases that are of a high profile or high-risk nature or require joint investigation with law enforcement due to alleged criminal acts.
• Accompany workers on investigations and be available to provide information on criminal statutes and law enforcement procedures.
• Guard against verbal abuse by clients that are angry and do not accept your presence in their life.
• Discuss matters of human sexuality and sexual exploitation of children in a direct and objective manner.
• Interact objectively with “caretakers” who have abused children in their care.
• Work as part of a team, which involves helping with crisis situations relating to other caseworkers’ assignments as well as following the directions of the courts and agency.
• Educate clients in order to change previous behavior that has led to child abuse.
• Be willing to remove a child from a dangerous situation.
• Spend approximately 40% of your time documenting casework activity.
• Work under constant time pressure created by the nature and volume of  the cases, prioritize efforts and work flexible work hours.
• Maintain a balance of objectivity and empathic understanding in dealing with families living in stressful and crisis situations.

What are the job qualifications?

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major   coursework in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, social work

Two years full time law enforcement experience with primary duties involving the use of forensic investigation methods.  Examples of desired forensic investigation skills are: experience interviewing perpetrators, children and witnesses, crime scene analysis including photographic and written documentation, experience obtaining credible and reliable victim, witness and suspect statements and report writing.

Acceptable Substitutions:

What would my salary be?

The starting salary range is $3,394.99 to $5,086.16 per month and will be based on the qualifications of the selected applicant.

Applicants selected for this position are also eligible to receive a $5000 yearly stipend in addition to base salary. Once employed, the incumbent must remain in an identified investigative position to continue to receive this additional pay.

I think I could do this job, but will I get specifically trained on what to do?

YES!  You will have lots of great training before beginning your job. Though you will be doing visits to clients on your own you will have ongoing support from your co-workers and supervisor any time you need it.