Unregulated Operations Investigator IV

Essential Job Functions

• Investigations: Initiates investigations of unregulated operations based on priority and level of risk identified in the intake report. Conducts thorough walk-through of child care facilities to evaluate risk and determine whether child care is provided, determine if the operation is subject to child care regulation, and identify next steps to ensure risk is mitigated. Conducts interviews with the child care facility staff, children, parents, neighbors and anyone else who might have knowledge regarding the allegations. The investigator will address any conflicting information and may be required to deescalate situations where the alleged provider is being uncooperative. Surveillance will be conducted to establish whether child care is occurring or to verify information provided as part of the investigation. Extensive documentation is required to support the investigation findings and notification to those being investigated.
• Searching: Conducts proactive searches to identify unregulated operations. Enters unregulated operation intakes based off of proactive searches and reports received though the intake process. Utilizes specialized applications to determine locations and person details to appropriately determine the priority of unregulated operation intakes according to Child Care Regulation policy and procedures. Investigators are responsible to plan and develop investigative procedures and conduct investigations in order to determine appropriate actions. Investigators review statute, TAC, and policy to determine the aspects associated with an investigation and recommend appropriate legal or regulatory actions resulting from the investigation.
• Exemptions: Evaluates and assesses exemption requests according to Child Care Regulation policy and procedure. Reviews requests to determine if the operation will be exempt from obtaining a permit according to the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42 and Texas Administrative Code by meeting specified exemption criteria. Consults with Child Care Regulation leadership and legal. Conduct inspections to observe operations requesting exemption to support determination decisions. Provide written correspondence to operations requesting exemptions when determinations are made.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: Acts as lead community engagement and outreach specialist for Child Care Regulation educating families and communities on the rules related to child care and benefits of choosing regulated child care, empowering families to choose regulated child care, and expanding the child care care community to support capacity building. Plan, prepare and present in-person and virtual presentations and trainings targeting communities, families, child and health advocates and other key stakeholders. Build collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to support outreach efforts.
• Enforcement Actions: Identifies and initiates enforcement action recommendations for high risk operations and operations failing to cooperate or meet compliance. Gathers evidence and documentation to support enforcement recommendations. Consults with the legal team and provides supporting legal documentation when necessary to prepare for hearings and legal actions. Testifies in court proceedings related to enforcement recommendations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Texas laws and regulation.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in applying emotional intelligence to all situations.
• Skill in establishing and building 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 of people while promoting respect for cultural diversity in all working relationships.
• 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 experience that is equivalent to a four-year degree. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-to-year basis.
• Experience in evaluating and analyzing risk to children, preferred.
• Experience in participating in, leading or coordinating community engagement activities, preferred.