Day Care Investigator
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Houston, TX 77036
$17 an hour
Description
Day Care Investigator
Date: Sep 17, 2025
Location:
HOUSTON, TX
WHY WORK FOR DFPS?
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
Functional Title: Day Care Investigator
Job Title: DCI Investigator I
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: DayCare Investigations
Posting Number: 9311
Closing Date: 10/01/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 70%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HOUSTON
Job Location Address: 9702 BISSONNET ST 2200W
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0149,5805,5821,5822,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1
5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP12
Job Title: DCI Investigator I
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: DayCare Investigations
Posting Number: 9311
Closing Date: 10/01/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 70%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HOUSTON
Job Location Address: 9702 BISSONNET ST 2200W
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0149,5805,5821,5822,5832,14N,14NX,183X,1N0X1,230X,311A,31D,351L,351M,35L,35M,42SX,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1
5IX,683X,68X,71SX,73A,783X,HM,INV,IS,ISS,IV,MST,NC,OAP12
This position conducts investigations of day care facilities subject to regulation in accordance with the Human Resource Code, Texas Family Code, Minimum Standards, and agency policies and procedures to determine whether abuse/neglect and/or noncompliance has occurred. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, representatives from various organizations, and the general public.
HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
To explore more of what Day Care Investigators do, click here.
For a realistic job preview of this position and to learn more 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 complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and unregulated facilities.
- Investigates complaints of standards violations in licensed and registered childcare facilities.
- Investigates complaints alleging illegal childcare.
- Documents findings of investigations and notifies childcare providers of findings and any corrective or adverse actions being taken.
- Responds to emergency complaints of abuse/neglect in licensed/registered and illegal childcare operations.
- 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):
- Knowledge of the Texas Family Code, Chapter 42 Human Resource Code laws and regulations relating to children and their care.
- Skill in assessing risk in situations, which might result in injury or death to a child and ability to take appropriate action.
- Skill in investigating and resolving child abuse/neglect allegations.
- Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
- Skill in effective organizational skills.
- Ability to identify violations of law and policies concerning childcare; and to conduct interviews and gather facts.
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:
Day Care Investigator Specialist 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.
Day Care Investigator Specialist II: 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. Employed as a Day Care Investigator I for 9 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator II OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator II in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Day Care Investigator Specialist III: 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. Employee as a Day Care Investigator II for 9 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator III OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator III in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Day Care Investigator Specialist IV: 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. Employed as a Day Care Investigator III for 24 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Senior Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator IV OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Day Care Investigator Specialist IV: 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. Employed as a Day Care Investigator III for 24 months AND have received Day Care Investigations Senior Advanced Specialist Certification OR currently employed as a Day Care Investigator IV OR previous experience as a Day Care Investigator IV in Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Additional Information:
This position may be filled at any level from a Day Care Investigator I to Day Care Investigator IV. 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 may 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.
This position may 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.
Preferred Experience
Preferred Experience
- Child Development
- Day Care and Day Care Administration
Preferred Degrees
- Early Childhood Development
- Human Development
- Early Childhood Education
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience conducting abuse/neglect investigations
- Experience interviewing children
- Experience interviewing alleged perpetrators of abuse
- Experience in a regulatory role
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.
State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
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: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-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.
Nearest Major Market: Houston