Unregulated Operations Investigator IV

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Unregulated Operations Investigator IV
Job Title: Investigator IV
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: South Region CCL Unreg Ops
Posting Number: 19566
Closing Date: 10/28/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Range: $5,368.08- $6,779.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 75%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HOUSTON
Job Location Address: 1425 E 40TH ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 5805,5813,5819,5821,5822,7596,8012,14N,14NX,183X,1D7X1,1N0X1,1S0X1,250X,311A,31A,31B,31D,31PX,351L
351M,35A,35L,35M,3E7X1,3P0X1,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,5I0,649X,683X,71SX,749X,783X,89D,89E,EOD,INV,IS,IV,LN
MA,ME,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MSSR,MST,OAP12,OAP14

Brief Job Description:

Why choose to become a Child Care Regulation Investigator?

• Reduce risk to children in child care settings
• Educate the public and families on the benefits of choosing regulated child care
• Flexibility
• Challenging and rewarding career

This position performs highly complex (senior-level) investigative work of unregulated child care facilities in accordance with the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42, the Texas Administrative Code and Child Care Regulation Policy and Procedures Handbook. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work includes:

- Proactively searching for unregulated operations and identifying the appropriate level of risk at the time of intake based on due diligence searches.

- Conducting complex unregulated operation investigations. This includes interviewing caregivers, parents, children and anyone with knowledge of the care being provided, conducting surveillance to determine if child care is occurring or to verify information received as part of the investigation and thoroughly documenting findings.

- Evaluating, assessing and making determinations on exemption requests.

- Acting as lead community engagement and outreach specialist for Child Care Regulation with a focus on educating communities and families on rules of regulation and the benefits of choosing regulated child care, empowering families to choose regulated child care and expanding the child care community. This may includes participation in community engagement events, conducting presentations, and seeking out community partners.

- Taking appropriate enforcement actions on high risk and/or non-compliant operations and educating potential providers on the benefits of becoming a regulated child care provider. This may include preparing legal documents to help support actions in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General.

- Representing Child Care Regulation while performing informational and educational presentations to the public, at conferences and when collaborating with child health and safety advocates.

This position routinely interacts with other state agency staff, local and regional stakeholders, representatives from various private and public organizations, and the general public.

This is a full-time telework position, but extensive field travel and occasional work in the office is required.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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. Investigations may involve high-risk environments and interactions with uncooperative individuals. 35%

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. 20%

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. 15%

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. 15%

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. 5%

Continuing Education: Maintains continuing education and current knowledge of child development, investigation and regulatory practices, health and safety, applicable laws and rules, and regulated fields to support the mission of Child Care Regulation. 5%

Other Duties as Assigned: Conducts other duties as assigned to maintain unit and UOU operations. Make recommendations for policy updates to support investigative and exemption tasks. 5%

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.

Additional Information:

Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Work hours must be flexible and are not considered 8:00-5:00. Occasional work during the evening and weekends may be required.

This position will be in a mobile unit which means most of the work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet and cell phone. Travel may be required outside of headquartered geographical area.

Applicants for positions must have transportation and a valid Texas driver's license with insurance as required by the State of Texas.

Applicants for this position who are considered for employment must pass a Background Check, which includes a criminal history check and a review of the Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Registry.

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

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.