OVERVIEW
This position conducts investigations of day care facilities subject to regulation in accordance with the Human Resource Code, Texas Family Code, Minimum Standards, and agency policies and procedures to determine whether abuse/neglect and/or noncompliance has occurred. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.
A Day Care Investigator- SAO DCI Investigator .
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 Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System 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 AS:
To learn more about 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:
Investigates complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and unregulated facilities.
Investigates complaints of standards violations in licensed and registered child care facilities.
Investigates complaints alleging illegal child care.
Documents findings of investigations and notifies child care providers of findings and any corrective or adverse actions being taken.
Responds to emergency complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and illegal child care operations.
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.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the Texas Family Code, Chapter 42 Human Resource Code laws and regulations relating to children and their care.
Skill in assessing risk in situations, which might result in injury or death to a child and ability to take appropriate action.
Skill in investigating and resolving child abuse/neglect allegations.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in effective organizational skills.
Skill in assertiveness.
Ability to identify violations of law and policies concerning child care; and to conduct interviews and gather facts.
Registration or Licensure 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 and license.
Initial Selection Criteria:
Day Care Investigator Specialist I: An accredited bachelor’s degree OR accredited associate 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.
Day Care Investigator Specialist II: Employed as a Day Care Investigator I for 9 months AND have received Day Care Instigations Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator II OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Day Care Investigator Specialist III: Employee as a Day Care Investigator II for 9 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator III OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Day Care Investigator Specialist IV: Employed as a Day Care Investigator III for 24 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Senior Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator IV OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Additional Information:
This position may be filled at any level from a DCL Investigator I to DCL Investigator IV. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group.
This position may 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.
Preferred Experience
Child Development
Day Care and Day Care Administration
Preferred Degrees
Early Childhood Development
Human Development
Early Childhood Education
Preferred Qualifications
Experience conducting abuse/neglect investigations
Experience interviewing children
Experience interviewing alleged perpetrators of abuse
Experience in a regulatory role
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.
Interview Requirements:
Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
MOS Code:
Note: There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk.
As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.