Residential Child Care 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 12,000 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 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Functional Title : Residential Child Care Investigator

Job Title : RCI Investigator I

Agency : Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department : Residential Investigations

Posting Number : 1405

Closing Date : 02 / 07 / 2025

Posting Audience : Internal and External

Occupational Category : Protective Services

Salary Group : TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range : $4,020.33 - $6,335.66

Shift : Day

Additional Shift : Days (First)

Telework : Not Applicable

Travel : Up to 50%

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Full Time / Part Time : Full time

FLSA Exempt / Non-Exempt : Nonexempt

Facility Location :

Job Location City : GREENVILLE

Job Location Address : ((custOfficeAdd))

Other Locations : Plano; Bonham; Carrollton; Decatur; Denton; Gainesville; Greenville; Irving; Kaufman; Lewisville; Rockwall; Sherman

MOS Codes :

31D, 35L, 35M, 68X, 73A, 311A, 351L, 351M, HM, IS, NC, 183X, 230X, 683X, 783X, IV, MST, INV, ISS

OAP12, 0149, 5821, 5822, 5832, 1N0X1, 4C0X1, 4E0X1, 14NX, 42SX, 43HX, 71SX, 0868, 66C, 47L, 66R

67D, L24A, 001387

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.

HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE :

To explore more of what Residential Child Care Investigators do, click here.

For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more about DFPS, 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.

DFPS is committed to its employees' professional development and ongoing success and offers the DFPS Certification Program to enhance skills and advance careers within our organization. The program is tailored specifically for DFPS employees, provides the opportunity to earn additional compensation through a supportive learning environment that fosters growth and innovation, and equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to deepen their expertise in their respective role.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs) :

• 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 and Abilities (KSAs) :

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications :

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions.

Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record and license.

Initial Screening Criteria :

Residential Child Care Investigator I :

An accredited bachelor's degree OR accredited associate degree plus two (2) years of relevant work experience OR 60 accredited college credit hours plus two (2) years relevant work experience OR 90 accredited college credit hours plus one (1) year of relevant work experience.

Examples of relevant work experience in social, human, or protective services include paid or volunteer work within social service agencies or communities providing services to families or other at-risk populations.

Residential Child Care Investigator II : Employed as a Residential Child Care Investigator for two years AND Child Care Investigation Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Residential Child Care Investigator II OR previous experience as a Residential Child Care Investigator II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Additional Information :

This position may be filled at any level from a RCI Investigator I to an RCI Investigator II. Factors such as education and experience may be considered when establishing the starting salary; however, the starting salary for this position may not exceed the maximum of the pay group.

This position will be in a mobile unit which means the majority of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet, while away from the office. Being mobile requires working independently yet still being responsive to supervision and your assigned unit.

Newly-hired DFPS employees in eligible positions will be assigned a DFPS cellular phone.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

These requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements. These are typical requirements; however, reasonable accommodations are possible.

Physical Activities : He / she is frequently asked to stand, hear and talk; he / she is occasionally asked to climb.

Physical Demands : The incumbent typically performs work that requires him / her to exert up to 20 pounds occasionally, and / or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and / or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Visual Requirements : The incumbent must be able to see objects clearly at 20 inches or less, and at 20 or more feet. In addition, he / she must be able to adjust his / her eyes to bring objects into focus, distinguish colors, see objects in his / her peripheral vision, and see objects in three dimensions.

Working Conditions : He / she typically works in a mobile environment (the majority of work is performed outside of the office environment) and is exposed occasionally to adverse environmental conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, extreme heat, wetness and humidity, chemicals, close quarters, gases and heights.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents : .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS / DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS / DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Salary : $4,020 - $6,336