Senior Investigator, Child Abuse Reporting and Response Team (Investigator VI)

Agency Information The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core Values We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students. We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students. We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students. We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them. Job Description At the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams, Field Support and Compliance & Investigations, focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education. On behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education, the Educator Investigations Division (EID) plays a critical role in safeguarding students in Texas by addressing allegations of misconduct involving educators and school employees. The division is structured into two primary units: Intake and Investigations. The Intake Unit serves as the initial review and decision-making engine for the division, where complex information is assessed, risks are evaluated, and critical decisions are made. The team reviews misconduct reports, conducts preliminary reviews, tracks criminal matters, and collaborates with the Office of the Inspector General to facilitate the temporary suspension and inclusion process. This unit makes recommendations for formal investigations in strict accordance with SBEC and agency policy, always prioritizing student safety. The Investigations Unit conducts formal investigations into reports of alleged misconduct by SBEC-certified educators and non-certified school employees. This unit ensures that due process is provided in all cases, maintaining a strong commitment to protecting students and upholding the integrity of the educational environment. The Senior Investigator of the Child Abuse Reporting and Response Team (CARRT) will have the opportunity to lead high-profile investigations that directly impact student safety and educator accountability. This position involves conducting on-site and virtual investigations, coordinating with internal and external partners, and making informed recommendations based on findings. Senior investigators also contribute to training, process improvement, and strategic collaboration¿playing a key role in shaping best practices and mentoring others. Reporting to the Manager of the Child Abuse Reporting and Response Team, this is a meaningful opportunity for experienced professionals to apply their expertise in a mission-driven environment while helping safeguard Texas students. Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates. Essential Functions 1. Investigations: tracks and monitors compliance with misconduct reporting requirements; conducts preliminary reviews and senior-level, high-profile investigations into child abuse, solicitation, educator misconduct, ethics violations, and other allegations under SBEC or the Commissioner authority; leads coordination with the TEA Special Investigations Division, other TEA divisions, and external agencies as needed; initiates investigations and creates plans based on limited information; collects and evaluates evidence; interviews witnesses; coordinates with internal and external partners to reach findings in alignment with investigative plans, division protocols, priorities, and time standards 2. Analysis and Recommendation: analyzes information from child abuse compliance monitoring and investigations; identifies significance of facts and context of allegations; applies agency, state, and federal policies to identify red flags, assess risk, make referrals, make appropriate recommendations and determinations for case resolution; uses analytical techniques and tools; demonstrates exemplary technical skills and deep contextual understanding; identifies multiple sources of information; assesses overarching risks to student safety and potential culpability at various levels within a school system 3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentation: accurately documents the collection of information and key milestones throughout the investigative process; synthesizes information into organized, professional, and comprehensive reports, case briefings, and referrals that clearly communicate evidence-based findings and provide essential context for stakeholders; develops high-quality presentations for senior leadership and the Commissioner as appropriate; trains investigative staff on best practices; provides consultative support on school district compliance with child abuse reporting 4. Testimony and Litigations Support: provides testimony and presents evidence and analysis in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings; prepares professional exhibits and offers litigation support to legal staff as needed; trains investigative staff on best practices for testimony and supports the litigation process as needed 5. Investigative Operations: performs special projects to support division operations; collaborates with colleagues, legal staff, and external agencies to strengthen investigative outcomes, uphold accountability, and maintain high standards in Texas public education; serves as a subject matter expert, provides strategic oversight of cases, and ensures workflow continuity and operational efficiency in a supervisor capacity on occasion Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in performing background checks, reviewing allegations of misconduct, or conducting investigations relating to child abuse, and conducting complex investigations Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis Other Qualifications Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military Demonstrated strong understanding of the Texas Administrative Code; 19 TAC §249 and §153 related to misconduct reporting and 40 TAC §707, Subchapter B related to school investigations, and familiarity with the Texas Education Code and Texas Family Code, and relevant laws pertaining to penal code violations, criminal procedure, and confidentiality Skilled in investigating allegations of child abuse and navigating public school investigations. Experience reviewing information relating to criminal and administrative investigations. Demonstrated ability to effectively interview witnesses and accused individuals regarding alleged acts of misconduct. Aptitude for gathering and analyzing information from multiple sources, presenting the information in detailed, factual, concise, and professionally written reports, and making sound recommendations by required deadlines. Demonstrated success in providing guidance and/or training to staff on best practices in investigative or related functions. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills that establish and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, law enforcement and court personnel as well as the agency's Legal staff and other TEA divisions. Willingness to seek efficiency in an office environment; stay organized and prioritize tasks to achieve goals and objectives; eager to deliver requirements to internal/external customers and contribute to the agency's priorities. A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve. Must satisfy the Texas Department of Public Safety's criteria for access to the TX DPS secure website and Clearinghouse. Experienced in coordinating with and maintaining effective working relationships with school districts, DFPS and law enforcement to ensure thorough investigative outcomes, preferred. New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications. Benefits TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits include: Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page . Military/Veteran Information Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting. Additional Information TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status. TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas. This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency. To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page . Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 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