Residential Childcare Investigation Supervisor

The Residential Child Care Investigations (RCCI) Supervisor, under the direction of the Residential Program Administrator, performs advanced (senior level) supervisory and consultative work by managing a unit of investigators responsible for the investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in residential child care facilities, child placing agencies, and foster and adoptive homes. The supervisor supports investigators who are responsible for enforcement of the Texas Family Code, Texas Human Resource Code, and Texas Administrative Code relating to allegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and adherence to the Child Care Investigations Handbook. The position must ensure that quality assurance standards are met and best practice standards are incorporated into all aspects of the unit’s work. The position work with unit staff to encourage and support each unit members’ professional development. The position interacts routinely with various Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff, other state agencies, operation staff, external stakeholders, legal personnel, and provider organizations. This position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Oversees day-to-day unit operations to achieve agency and program objectives and service delivery by monitoring caseloads, consulting with staff on investigation issues, conducting unit meetings, and responding to personnel matters, such as managing time and leave. Evaluates unit performance and makes strategic plans to meet program objectives through use of system data reports, monthly management reports, correspondence, and related materials to identify areas of acceptable performance as well as challenges and opportunities for growth. Provides oversight and direction during abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations to ensure investigators gather pertinent evidence to establish a finding and reviews and analyzes evidence to make casework decisions regarding investigation findings, evaluating risks to children in operations. (50%)
Interprets and implements program policy, procedures, and practice, and provides technical assistance to unit staff, other agency staff, operation staff and caregivers, parents, attorneys, law enforcement, the courts, advocacy centers, external stakeholders, and the general public. Manages and develops unit staff through case readings, field audits, review of performance data, monthly conferences, creation and implementation of developmental plans, coaching and training, and performance appraisals and recommends appropriate actions in areas in need of improvement.(30%)
Consults with the Health and Human Services Regulatory Division to ensure the safety of children by informing them of regulatory issues noted during abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations, making recommendations about potential violations, and communicating investigation findings. (10%)
Coordinates with Special Investigators and law enforcement to conduct joint investigations. (5%)
Conducts presentations and participates in community engagement activities to inform the public about child care investigations. Participates in workgroups to develop policy and other program initiatives. May testify in court proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. (5%)

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Applicants 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. Applicants must pass a fingerprint background check prior to being hired.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human services or a closely related field.

Substitution: Prior full-time law enforcement work experience (in the case of current DFPS Special Investigators) may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement.

Experience: At least two (2) years full-time work experience in DFPS Investigations (Child Care Investigations, Child Protective Investigations, Alternative Response, or Special Investigations), Child Protective Services, or a closely related child placing or investigative function.

Preferred:

Prior experience in supervision, management, or project management is preferred.

Additional Information:
Position may be housed at an alternate location within the region of responsibility depending on candidate selected.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

MOS Code:
There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk here.