QA & Risk - Lead Investigator

About the role

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country, serving 13 counties and over 7 million people. We address issues that span across city and county boundaries, impacting transportation systems, senior care, job access, disaster recovery, water quality, and more, aiming to create a thriving region.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to leadership and oversee team members handling compliance reviews, fraud investigations, and provider determinations.
• Review and approve team findings, recommendations, and official determinations prior to release.
• Conduct and complete fraud investigation cases involving CCS parent eligibility and/or provider compliance as needed to reduce workload.
• Guide staff in interpreting regulations, policies, and procedures related to fraud, improper payments, and provider compliance.
• Maintain productivity, quality, and timeliness of the team, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Support Leadership lead team meetings, case discussions, and training sessions to ensure alignment and continuous development.
• Collaborate with Vendor Services, Compliance, and leadership to ensure proper escalation and tracking of providers requiring additional actions.
• Develop and maintain workflows to track provider status, including post-determination actions and enforcement steps.
• Support onboarding and training of new staff, ensuring consistent application of processes and standards.
• Identify trends, risks, and process improvement opportunities, and make recommendations to leadership.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and internal controls to strengthen fraud prevention and compliance efforts.
• Assist with any other duties relating to compliance and Child Care program integrity as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• 3–5 years of investigative, program integrity or compliance experience in public benefits, government programs, fraud detection, auditing, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex investigations, including high-risk, high impact, or sensitive cases.
• Experience reviewing income documentation, employment verification, and financial records.
• Strong report-writing and documentation skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of program policies, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.
• Ability to interpret policy and apply them in complex scenarios.
• Valid Texas driver’s license, local travel required.

Core Competencies

• Objectivity and impartiality
• Analytical reasoning and attention to detail
• Strong written communication
• Ethical judgment and confidentiality
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable academic discipline or related field of study.
• 3 years of experience working with local government, nonprofit programs, school, or in job-related duties.
• Preferred Qualification: Experience with Texas Child Care subsidies and public benefit programs, familiarity with Texas Workforce Commission policies and Child Care eligibility rules, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or similar credential, experience in administrative hearings or compliance monitoring.

Benefits

All employees of H-GAC are required to reside within the agency’s region of service to support our commitment to excellence in service of our region. H-GAC is an equal opportunity/ADA employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or protected veteran status.