Residential Child Care Investigator Position

Job Description:
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.

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 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas.

This position requires a 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. The ideal candidate will have the ability to assess immediacy of harmful situations, which might result in injury or death to a child and take appropriate action. The candidate should also have the skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, effective verbal and written communication, and ability to manage hostility and resistance to regulation in a professional, non-defensive manner.

This position 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.

This position is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Texas. If you are passionate about protecting children and promoting sound residential childcare and child placement principles, we encourage you to apply for this position.

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