Residential Child Care Investigator

Job Description:
This posting can be filled as Residential Child Care Investigator I or II.
Please note that the salary range for a Residential Child Care Investigator I is $.33 - $.66.

OVERVIEW
This position serves as a Residential Child Care Investigator and is responsible for conducting child abuse/neglect investigations of children placed in 24-hour childcare facilities and child placing agencies licensed or certified by Residential Child Care Investigations. In addition, the Residential Child Care Investigator conducts investigations to determine the facility’s compliance with related Minimum Standards. The position documents the conduct and findings of both investigations. The abuse/neglect investigation deals with victims and perpetrators of child abuse/neglect. The compliance investigation determines the facility’s role by assessing compliance with Minimum Standards. The position is accountable for promoting sound residential childcare and child placement principles in accordance with Texas licensing law, Minimum Standards, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policies and procedures. The position interacts routinely with administrative and professional staff of private and public facilities and child placing agencies licensed or certified by Residential Child Care Investigations, other state agencies, Law Enforcement entities, Child Care Licensing Legal staff and the general public.

A Residential Child Care Investigator- SAO RCI Investigator .

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12, workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas.

DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS:
To explore more of what Residential Child Care Investigators do, click here.

For a realistic job preview for this position and about the agency, please click here.
You will also have access to a self-assessment that will help you determine if this type of work is something that is a good fit for you. Essential Job Functions:
• Investigates referrals that allege abuse/neglect of children placed in facilities licensed or certified by Residential Child Care Investigations. Coincidentally, investigates the facility’s compliance with applicable Texas Law, especially Minimum Standards.

• Documents findings of investigations regarding abuse/neglect and compliance with Minimum Standards.

• Prepares for and testifies in criminal and civil courts, including State Office of Administrative Hearings.

• 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. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Thorough knowledge of the Family Code and other laws and regulations relating to children and their care such as the Texas Child Care Licensing Act.

• Knowledge of mental retardation, emotional disturbance, physical handicaps, development disabilities, and treatment measures as applied to children.

• Skill in assessing immediacy of harmful situations, which might result in injury or death to a child and ability to take appropriate action.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

• Ability to manage hostility and resistance to regulation in a professional, non-defensive manner.

• Ability to travel

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