Unregulated Operations Investigator IV
Texas Health and Human Services · Dallas, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $76,000 / year
- Dallas, TX
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Job highlights
- Investigate unregulated child care facilities.
- Assess risks and ensure child safety.
- Conduct interviews and surveillance.
- Engage communities and educate families.
- Take enforcement actions when needed.
About the role
Unregulated Operations Investigator IV - Texas Health and Human Services
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.
About the Role
This Position Performs Highly Complex (senior-level) Investigative Work Of Unregulated Child Care Facilities In Accordance With The Human Resources Code, Chapter 42, The Texas Administrative Code And Child Care Regulation Policy And Procedures Handbook. Works Under Limited Supervision, With Considerable Latitude For The Use Of Initiative And Independent Judgment.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively searching for unregulated operations and identifying the appropriate level of risk at the time of intake based on due diligence searches.
- Conducting complex unregulated operation investigations, including interviewing caregivers, parents, children and anyone with knowledge of the care being provided, conducting surveillance, and documenting findings.
- Evaluating, assessing and making determinations on exemption requests.
- Acting as lead community engagement and outreach specialist for Child Care Regulation, educating communities and families on rules and benefits of regulated child care.
- Taking appropriate enforcement actions on high risk and/or non-compliant operations and educating potential providers.
- Representing Child Care Regulation in presentations and collaborations with child health and safety advocates.
- Routinely interacting with other state agency staff, local and regional stakeholders, and the general public.
Essential Job Functions Breakdown
- Investigations (35%): Initiates investigations, conducts thorough walk-throughs, interviews, and surveillance to evaluate risk, determine regulatory status, and document findings. May involve high-risk environments and uncooperative individuals.
- Searching (20%): Conducts proactive searches to identify unregulated operations, enters intakes, and utilizes specialized applications to prioritize investigations according to policy. Plans and develops investigative procedures.
- Exemptions (15%): Evaluates exemption requests based on policy, consults with leadership and legal, and conducts inspections to support determination decisions. Provides written correspondence regarding determinations.
- Community Engagement and Outreach (15%): Educates families and communities on child care rules and benefits, empowers families to choose regulated child care, and expands the child care community. Plans and presents informational sessions and builds collaborative relationships.
- Enforcement Actions (5%): Identifies and initiates enforcement action recommendations for high-risk or non-compliant operations, gathers supporting evidence, consults with the legal team, and testifies in court proceedings.
- Continuing Education (5%): Maintains current knowledge of child development, investigation and regulatory practices, health and safety, applicable laws, and regulated fields.
- Other Duties as Assigned (5%): Conducts other duties as assigned and makes recommendations for policy updates.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Knowledge of Texas laws and regulations.
- Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Skill in applying emotional intelligence and establishing rapport.
- Skill in presenting, both in-person and virtually.
- Ability to critically think and identify risk and mitigation measures.
- Ability to work with diverse groups and promote respect for cultural diversity.
- Ability to de-escalate situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to self-start, organize, and manage priorities.
- Ability to operate basic office equipment including camera/AV equipment.
- Ability to travel.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications
- Valid driver’s license.
Initial Screening Criteria
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Human Development, Early Childhood Development, Social Services, Education, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Public Health, Family Studies or other closely related field or equivalent experience.
- Experience in evaluating and analyzing risk to children (preferred).
- Experience in community engagement activities (preferred).
Additional Information
- This is a full-time telework position, but extensive field travel and occasional work in the office is required.
- Work hours are flexible and may include evenings and weekends.
- The position utilizes mobile technology for most work.
- Applicants must have transportation and a valid Texas driver's license with insurance.
- Selected applicants must pass a Background Check, including criminal history and Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Registry review.
Key skills/competency
- Investigative Skills
- Risk Assessment
- Child Care Regulation
- Community Engagement
- Enforcement Actions
- Policy Analysis
- Interviewing Techniques
- Documentation
- Texas Laws
- Case Management
Skills & topics
- Investigator
- Child Care Regulation
- Risk Assessment
- Community Outreach
- Enforcement
- Texas Laws
- Social Services
- Government
- Dallas Jobs
- Field Investigator
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in risk assessment, investigations, and community engagement, using keywords from the job description like 'child care regulation' and 'enforcement actions'.
- Showcase relevant education: Emphasize degrees in Human Development, Social Services, Criminal Justice, or related fields, or clearly state equivalent experience.
- Demonstrate key skills: Provide examples of your ability to communicate effectively, de-escalate situations, critically think, and manage priorities, especially in diverse settings.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with Texas laws, investigative procedures, and how you would approach complex cases and community outreach.
Technical preparation
Study Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 42.,Familiarize yourself with TAC and policy handbooks.,Practice risk assessment and mitigation techniques.,Prepare for interviews, surveillance, and documentation.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you de-escalated a tense situation.,How do you prioritize tasks with competing demands?,How do you build rapport with diverse groups?,Give an example of critical thinking in investigations.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of an Unregulated Operations Investigator IV at Texas Health and Human Services?
- The primary responsibilities include conducting complex investigations of unregulated child care facilities, assessing risks to children, evaluating exemption requests, engaging with communities, and taking enforcement actions when necessary. This role requires proactive searching for operations and thorough documentation of findings.
- What qualifications are needed to become an Investigator IV at HHSC?
- A bachelor's degree in a related field like Human Development, Social Services, or Criminal Justice is required, or equivalent experience. Experience in evaluating risk to children and community engagement activities is preferred. A valid driver's license is also necessary.
- Is this position remote, hybrid, or on-site for the Unregulated Operations Investigator IV role?
- This is a full-time telework position, meaning most of the work is conducted remotely using mobile technology. However, extensive field travel is required, and occasional work in the office may also be necessary.
- What kind of travel is involved in the Unregulated Operations Investigator IV position?
- The role requires up to 75% travel, involving extensive field work to investigate unregulated child care facilities. Travel may extend outside of the headquartered geographical area.
- What are the benefits of working as an Investigator IV at Texas Health and Human Services?
- HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package including 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, and numerous career advancement opportunities.
- How does Texas Health and Human Services handle enforcement actions for unregulated operations?
- Enforcement actions are initiated for high-risk operations or those failing to cooperate. This involves gathering evidence, consulting with the legal team, preparing supporting legal documentation, and potentially testifying in court proceedings.
- What is the salary range for an Unregulated Operations Investigator IV in Dallas, TX?
- The salary range for this position is $5,368.08 to $6,779.25 per month, which translates to an annual salary range of approximately $64,416.96 to $81,351.00.
- What type of investigative work does the Investigator IV perform?