Background Check Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

8d•$5,403 - $6,779•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Functional Title: Background Check Specialist Job Title: Program Specialist IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Criminal Background Check Posting Number: 18043 Closing Date: 06/30/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support Salary Range: $5,403.01 - $6,779.25 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST Other Locations: MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS Brief Job Description: 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.

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. This position reviews criminal history rap sheets and reports of abuse and neglect and compares the information gathered to the background check minimum standards to assess whether a person poses a risk to children in regulated care and their eligibility to be present in a regulated childcare operation. (30%)
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. This position collects, organizes and analyzes the contents of the packet, the background check results, and the childcare operation compliance history and compares to requirements in background check minimum standards to determine whether the person is eligible to be present at a regulated childcare operation and whether conditions are needed to address safety and risk concerns. (20%)
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. Resolves background checks to ensure a valid eligibility status is issued within the required 45-day time frame and provides exceptions on due dates as needed for pending out-of-state background checks. Conducts research to locate records that contribute to the assessment of the background check. Handles sensitive and confidential information and meets required timeframes. (20%)
Assists internal and external stakeholders with the understanding and resolution of background checks and provides technical assistance. Advises external stakeholders during the background check process which includes providing technical assistance, resources, information, and interpretation of policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and minimum standards, troubleshooting background check issues, and providing counsel and guidance to applicants on completing the background check process and obtaining documentation to resolve their background check. Regularly engages with community providers to encourage and increase knowledge and understanding of the program. Provides guidance and training to other program staff on updated or revised policies and rules and how it relates to the program and processes. (15%)
Reviews functions, tasks and documentation completed by program staff in other areas to ensure the accurate interpretation of background check citations. Identifies and escalates areas of concern where other program staff do not issue accurate citations regarding background checks, or where citations for background checks may be warranted. Provides guidance to the monitoring program when determining an applicable citation related to background check rules. Reviews and evaluates work products of the monitoring program to ensure the monitoring program holds regulated operations accountable for compliance with background check laws, rules and policies. (10%)
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. (5%)