Day Care Investigator

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Temple, TX

19h • Onsite

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. DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role. This position may be filled at any level from a Day Care Investigator I to Day Care 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.

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.
• Reliable motor vehicle
• Acceptable driving record for the past five years
• Current, valid Texas driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load
• Provide proof of driving record and license
• 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 in social, human, or 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
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• Options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees