Day Care Investigator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Corpus Christi, TX

2d

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to identify violations of law and policies concerning childcare; and to conduct interviews and gather facts.
• 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.
• 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: 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. Employed as a Day Care Investigator I for 9 months AND have received Day Care Investigations 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: 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. 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: 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. 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.

Nice To Haves

• Child Development
• Day Care and Day Care Administration
• Early Childhood Development
• Human Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Experience conducting abuse/neglect investigations
• Experience interviewing children
• Experience interviewing alleged perpetrators of abuse
• Experience in a regulatory role

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and                        unregulated facilities.
• Investigates complaints of standards violations in licensed and registered childcare facilities.
• Investigates complaints alleging illegal childcare.
• Documents findings of investigations and notifies childcare providers of findings and any corrective or adverse actions being taken.
• Responds to emergency complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and illegal childcare 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.

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: Entry Level