Investigator IV Background Check

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: Investigator IV Background Check 
Job Title: Investigator IV BC 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Central Background Check Unit 
Posting Number: 8428 
Closing Date: 09/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18 
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
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: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata 
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) Investigator IV serves as a lead BC specialist for the Background Check Program. The position must have extensive knowledge of agency background check functions and requirements to provide assistance to the BC team and external and internal stakeholders for resolution of issues. The position provides comprehensive guidance, consultation, and leadership to the BC staff when the manager is absent. The position has the ability to assign work to other positions in the program.  This position can approve leave of absence when the manager is on leave.    This position is responsible for conducting quality assurance (QA) reviews of work performed by other BC staff.  During the QA evaluation, this position is expected to report to the manager any issues with performance noted in the review.  This position is able to make independent judgment of background check determinations in the manager’s absence. The position serves as a back-up to process all populations of background checks, including the specialized Purpose Code X checks.

Essential Job Functions:

Serves as a Lead Background Check specialist for the DFPS Background Check Program. The position must have extensive knowledge of agency background check functions and requirements in order to provide assistance to the background check team and both external and internal stakeholders for resolution of issues. Provides comprehensive guidance, consultation, and leadership to the Background Check staff when the manager is absent. The position has the ability to assign work to other positions in the program.  This position can approve leave of absence when the manager is on leave.    This position is responsible for conducting quality assurance (QA) reviews of work performed by other BC staff.  During the QA evaluation, this position is expected to report to the manager any issues with performance noted in the review.  This position is able to make independent judgment of background check determinations in the manager’s absence. Serves as a back up to process all populations of background checks, including the specialized Purpose Code X checks. Provides comprehensive background check training to other background check staff.  (20%)

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, obtain 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 to clear or bar an applicant by determining the level of risk to the agency and agency clients, in accordance with program and agency policies and procedures and seeks manager’s approval. (10%)

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 (20%)

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. History must be reviewed in its entirety 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 (15%)

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.  (10%)

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. (5%)

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. This position communicates with subjects when there are disagreements of the accuracy of the results and gathers additional evidence to determine accuracy when the subject disagrees with the decision. Complete special projects including quality assurance reviews and policy and procedure reviews. Performs other duties as assigned. (20%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

- Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to agency-performed background checks.

- Extensive knowledge of background checks policies and processes in human and social service agencies.

- Ability to train and lead staff.

- Ability to independently interpret and apply various policies and procedures.

- Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving.

- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, competing responsibilities.

- Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.

- Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

- Skill in effective problem-solving techniques

- Skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.

- Ability to work independently and with limited direction.

- Ability to assist with writing policy and developing processes.

- Ability to develop written reports and material suitable for specific audiences including but not limited to contractors, providers, internal staff, executive staff, and legislators.

- Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer word processing software, electronic mail and ability to learn agency software applications.

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. Job related experience in conducting and analyzing background checks may substitute for each year of required education.

Experience leading the work of others is preferred.

Must have experience with processing DFPS Background Checks.

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:

This position is a full-time 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.