Background Check Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist IV performs highly advanced technical and administrative activities involving the processing and communicating background check results for individuals affiliated with regulated childcare operations statewide. This position thoroughly reviews, analyzes, researches, and processes the results of the different background check types to determine what actions are required based on the different results. This position uses critical thinking and decision-making skills to independently analyze and assess the risk to children as it relates to applicants with background check history, and uses all information gathered to determine whether an individual can be present in regulated childcare while ensuring all background check activities are carried out in compliance with federal and state statutes, and state minimum standards, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and rules related the regulation of childcare and background checks.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
• Skill in multi-tasking, prioritizing, and organizing.
• Skill in assessing risk as it pertains to children in various settings.
• Skill in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to analyze background check records to evaluate risk associated with this history.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to research and analyze data from different sources.
• Ability to effectively handle and prioritize multiple assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity and work with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers, phones, fax machines, copiers, scanners and printers.
• Ability to operate word processing software, such as Outlook, Excel, Word and other computer applications.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Related work experience with the Child Care Regulation program may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis with maximum substitution of four years.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the Child Care Regulation program and background check requirements and processes or experience with implementing or coordinating major projects, assessing program needs, and analyzing and implementing legislation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Processes and analyzes background check results, operation compliance and additional information to determine if the individual is a risk or threat to the health and safety of children.
• Processes risk evaluations required for specific background check results, which includes a packet of information submitted by the background check subject, or information obtained by this position, to ensure all required items are provided.
• Maintains a workload of background check assignments to ensure background check tasks and functions are completed timely in accordance with statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Assists internal and external stakeholders with the understanding and resolution of background checks and provides technical assistance.
• Reviews functions, tasks and documentation completed by program staff in other areas to ensure the accurate interpretation of background check citations.
• Attends unit meetings and other division meetings and trainings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain operations which includes providing peer training and coverage and support due to vacancies, monitoring background check performance reports and dashboard statistics to identify trends in performance, identifying and sharing program needs or gaps and recommending improvements to resolve issues, and completing user acceptance testing during technology projects related to background checks.
• Serves as a subject matter expert to assist in the planning and development of program procedures outlined in internal manuals and collaborate with program staff to implement the procedures within the program.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level