Background Check Specialist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

6d • Remote

About The Position

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Background Check (BC) Specialist II (Investigator II) performs moderately complex investigative work evaluating and processing background check requests for the DFPS Background Checks program (BC). The position conducts, researches and evaluates criminal history background check results received from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and agency abuse and neglect case records according to DFPS Background Check policies and procedures. The position evaluates results to positively identify the applicant, documents background check history findings, evaluates the history in accordance with current program and agency policies and procedures, and determines applicant eligibility for client or agency data access according to these policies. The position reviews and prepares records, correspondence and reports, and makes recommendations regarding background check case determinations and provides training to other background check staff. This position conducts background checks on behalf of Child Protection Investigations (CPI) for emergency placement purposes. Provides background check technical assistance, training and support for various areas of DFPS including Program Support, Purchased Client Services, Information Technology, Program staff in CPS, APS and CPI, as well as the Health and Human Services (HHS) System, other state and federal agencies, service providers, and the general public. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the criminal and abuse/neglect background check policies and processes in Department of Family and Protective Services.
• Skills in practices, principles, and policies related to processing background checks in IMPACT, ABCS and CLASS.
• Knowledge of IMPACT, Automated Background Check System (ABCS) and CLASS and an understanding of interfaces, processes and troubleshooting steps.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communications of technical information to technical and non-technical staff.
• Skill in problem solving techniques
• Ability to make assessments of risk to clients or client’s data based on a person's abuse or neglect perpetrator history
• Ability to work independently with limited direction
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills when making recommendations
• Ability to interact with all levels of staff.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet designated deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and manage heavy workloads.
• Ability to gather and report facts and evidence.
• Ability to provide customer support for agency information technology systems
• Skills in working in an environment that provides customer service.
• Skill in working in an office supporting several staff members and to operate basic office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and printers.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• An accredited bachelor's degree, associate degree OR accredited college credit hours with course work in criminal justice or a related human services field.
• Job related experience in conducting and analyzing background checks may substitute for each year of required education.
• Two years of experience with investigative background check procedures or using investigative background check information to conduct risk assessments in a social service setting.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with at least two years’ experience using IMPACT and CLASS for searches, performing central registry and FPS History checks, and researching/analyzing the results of central registry and criminal history checks.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluates and summarizes criminal history results researching a variety of database aggregators including but not limited to the DPS secure site and online district court databases to determine if the criminal history report is complete and contains necessary disposition data.
• Analyzes the criminal history and court data received to make an objective analysis to determine the level of safety risk an individual may have toward DFPS clients or client data, and develops recommendations to clear, bar or further review an applicant in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures.
• Evaluates the information available in the Automated Background Check System (ABCS), Child Care Licensing Automated Support System (CLASS), or Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT) systems for possible applicant matches and conducts additional searches and due diligence to verify applicant information as needed to determine any relevant records matches to applicant data.
• Conducts personal history investigations, reviews records, and verifies information to confirm identity and appropriate match of background check results to the individual submitting the application(s) to the agency.
• Independently evaluates potential applicant results on criminal history reports requested and received from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in order to verify the match.
• Reviews records and verify identity which may include researching online databases such as the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS) or contacting the subject directly.
• Documents background check decisions for each applicant reviewed and communicates the agency’s decisions regarding individual applications for background check clearance in IMPACT in accordance with applicable program and agency policies and procedures.
• Enters background check decision information in the appropriate areas of the database, ensuring background check determinations and communications are attributed to the correct applicant.
• Provides technical program support by phone, email or in person for internal and external stakeholders regarding submission of background check requests to the agency via the ABCS or other systems, and status of background check results.
• Serves as a liaison to DFPS staff, government agencies, external volunteer agencies, and the general public to assist in providing background check program policy, process and technical guidance regarding background check programs, processes, policies and requirements.
• Serves as a primary point of contact or back up to process all populations of background checks on contractors, volunteers, external volunteer agencies, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).
• Provides comprehensive background check training to background check staff, and performs other duties as assigned.
• Conduct Purpose Code X specialized background checks, required on emergency CPI placement cases.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees