Background Check Specialist III

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: Background Check Specialist III 
Job Title: Investigator III 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Central Background Check Unit 
Posting Number: 7548 
Closing Date: 08/08/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16 
Salary Range: $3,409.83 - $5,094.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 31B, 31D, EOD, 401, 5819, 71S, P12A, P02A, 023, 42P, 001497, 401, 333021, 7S0 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

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. 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:

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. 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. 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. Conduct Purpose Code X specialized background checks, required on emergency CPI placement cases.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None required.

Initial Screening 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. Job related experience in conducting and analyzing background checks may substitute for each year of required education. Two year's 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:

This position is a fulltime telework position but may require occasional office attendance at 4900 N. Lamar, Austin.

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.