Investigator III
The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Background Check (BC) Specialist III (Investigator III) performs moderately complex investigative work evaluating and processing background check requests for the DFPS Background Checks program (BC). The position conducts, researches and evaluates criminal history background check results received from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and agency abuse and neglect case records according to DFPS Background Check policies and procedures. The position evaluates results to positively identify the applicant, documents background check history findings, evaluates the history in accordance with current program and agency policies and procedures, and determines applicant eligibility for client and/or agency data access according to these policies. The position reviews and prepares records, correspondence and reports, and makes recommendations regarding background check case determinations and provides training to other background check staff. This position conducts background checks on behalf of Child Protection Investigations (CPI) for emergency placement purposes. Performs audit compliance functions regarding CPI emergency placement checks, as well as development of statistical data collection and status reporting to program leadership. Serves as a liaison to DFPS staff, government agencies, external volunteer agencies, and the general public to provide information and provides technical assistance regarding background check programs, processes, policies and requirements. Provides background check technical assistance, training and support for various areas of DFPS including Program Support, Purchased Client Services, Information Technology, Program staff in CPS, APS and CPI, as well as the Health and Human Services (HHS) System, other state and federal agencies, service providers, and the general public. Works under general supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Independently evaluates and summarizes criminal history results researching a variety of database aggregators including but not limited to the DPS secure site and online district court databases to determine if the criminal history report is complete and contains necessary disposition data. If disposition data is incomplete, obtains additional data by researching online court databases, contacting the courts directly, contacting law enforcement or contacting the subject directly. Analyzes the criminal history and court data received to make an objective analysis to determine the level of safety risk an individual may have toward DFPS clients and/or client data, and develops recommendations to clear, bar or further review an applicant in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures. Decides whether or not to clear or bar an applicant by determining level of risk to the agency and agency clients, in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures and seeks manager’s approval. Evaluates incomplete abuse and neglect records for potential matches. The DFPS abuse and neglect history is complex and requires an advanced understanding of DFPS casework. The history must be reviewed in its entirety in order to make an objective analysis regarding a person's level of safety risk as it relates to access to client and client data. This position is able to make independent judgement to clear a subject to have contact with clients and client data. Collects data and analyzes complex daily reports to retrieve time-sensitive abuse and neglect background checks records and results. Evaluates the information available in the Automated Background Check System (ABCS), Child Care Licensing Automated Support System (CLASS), or Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT) systems for possible applicant matches and conducts additional searches and due diligence to verify applicant information as needed to determine any relevant records matches to applicant data. Conducts personal history investigations, reviews records, and verifies information to confirm identity and appropriate match of background check results to the individual submitting the application(s) to the agency. Independently evaluates potential applicant results on criminal history reports requested and received from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in order to verify the match. Reviews records and verifies identity which may include researching online databases such as the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System (TIERS) or contacting the subject directly. Documents background check decisions for each applicant reviewed, and communicates the agency’s decisions regarding individual applications for background check clearance in IMPACT in accordance with applicable program and agency policies and procedures. Enters background check decision information in the appropriate areas of the database, ensuring background check determinations and communications are attributed to the correct applicant.
Provides technical program support by phone, email or in person for internal and external stakeholders regarding submission of background check requests to the agency via the ABCS or other systems, and status of background check results. Serves as a liaison to DFPS staff, government agencies, external volunteer agencies, and the general public to assist in providing background check program policy, process and technical guidance regarding background check programs, processes, policies and requirements. Serves as a primary point of contact or back up to process all populations of background checks on contractors, volunteers, external volunteer agencies, and Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). Provides comprehensive background check training to background check staff, and performs other duties as assigned. This position acts as a liaison between the reporting agency and applicants when there are incomplete records or disagreements of the accuracy of the results and gathers additional evidence to determine accuracy of the results received. Collects statistical data for Purpose Code X specialized background checks, required on emergency CPI placement cases. Prepares and sends data collection reports to leadership and DPS on a monthly basis. Prepares data collection report for audits of criminal history access when requested by DPS.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the criminal and abuse/neglect background check policies and processes in Department of Family and Protective Services. Skills in the practices, principles, and policies related to processing background checks in IMPACT, ABCS and CLASS. Knowledge of IMPACT, Automated Background Check System (ABCS) and CLASS and an understanding of interfaces, processes and troubleshooting steps. Skill in effective verbal and written communications of technical information to technical and non-technical staff. Skill in problem solving techniques Ability to make assessments of risk to clients or client’s data based on a person's abuse or neglect perpetrator history Ability to work independently with limited direction Ability to apply critical thinking skills when making recommendations Ability to interact with all levels of staff. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet designated deadlines. Ability to prioritize and manage heavy workloads. Ability to gather and report facts and evidence. Ability to provide customer support for agency information technology systems Skills in working in an environment that provides customer service. Skill in working in an office supporting several staff members and to operate basic office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, and printers.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
An accredited bachelor's degree, associate degree OR accredited college credit hours with course work in criminal justice or a related human services field, plus relevant work experience is generally preferred.

Two years’ experience with investigative background check procedures and/or using investigative background check information to conduct risk assessments in a social service setting.



Preferred: Candidates with at least two years’ experience using IMPACT and/or CLASS for searches, performing central registry and FPS History checks, and researching/analyzing the results of central registry and criminal history checks.

Additional Information:
Position is eligible for full time telework.

MOS Code:
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.
As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.


In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.

As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.