The Residential Child Care Investigations Supervisor

Job Description:

The Residential Child Care Investigations (RCCI) Supervisor, under the direction of the Residential Program Administrator, performs advanced (senior level) supervisory and consultative work by managing a unit of investigators responsible for the investigation of allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in residential child care facilities, child placing agencies, and foster and adoptive homes. The supervisor supports investigators who are responsible for enforcement of the Texas Family Code, Texas Human Resource Code, and Texas Administrative Code relating to allegations of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and adherence to the Child Care Investigations Handbook. The position must ensure that quality assurance standards are met and best practice standards are incorporated into all aspects of the unit’s work. The position work with unit staff to encourage and support each unit members’ professional development. The position interacts routinely with various Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff, other state agencies, operation staff, external stakeholders, legal personnel, and provider organizations. This position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions:

Oversees day-to-day unit operations to achieve agency and program objectives and service delivery by monitoring caseloads, consulting with staff on investigation issues, conducting unit meetings, and responding to personnel matters, such as managing time and leave. Evaluates unit performance and makes strategic plans to meet program objectives through use of system data reports, monthly management reports, correspondence, and related materials to identify areas of acceptable performance as well as challenges and opportunities for growth. Provides oversight and direction during abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations to ensure investigators gather pertinent evidence to establish a finding and reviews and analyzes evidence to make casework decisions regarding investigation findings, evaluating risks to children in operations. (50%)

Interprets and implements program policy, procedures, and practice, and provides technical assistance to unit staff, other agency staff, operation staff and caregivers, parents, attorneys, law enforcement, the courts, advocacy centers, external stakeholders, and the general public. Manages and develops unit staff through case readings, field audits, review of performance data, monthly conferences, creation and implementation of developmental plans, coaching and training, and performance appraisals and recommends appropriate actions in areas in need of improvement.(30%)
Consults with the Health and Human Services Regulatory Division to ensure the safety of children by informing them of regulatory issues noted during abuse, neglect, and exploitation investigations, making recommendations about potential violations, and communicating investigation findings. (10%)

Coordinates with Special Investigators and law enforcement to conduct joint investigations. (5%)

Conducts presentations and participates in community engagement activities to inform the public about child care investigations. Participates in workgroups to develop policy and other program initiatives. May testify in court proceedings. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. (5%)  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Applicants 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. Applicants must pass a fingerprint background check prior to being hired.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge and/or experience in child care regulation, investigations, or child protective services.
• Knowledge of rules, laws, and regulations related to regulated child care and abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, and procedures; and of rules of evidence. • Knowledge of child development principles and theories.
• Knowledge of agency policies and procedures.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to manage hostility and resistance to investigations in a professional, non-defensive manner.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts.
• Ability to prepare and provide oversight in the preparation and completion of clear and concise investigative reports.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer word processing software, electronic mail and ability to learn CCI software applications.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religion in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals and communities.
• Ability to work hours other than 8AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.
• Ability to travel, sometimes out of town and overnight.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships between Child Care Investigations staff, Health and Human Services Regulatory Division, Child Protective Services, the general public, medical, legal, educational, and other community resources.
 

 Initial Screening Criteria:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in human services or a closely related field.
Substitution: Prior full-time law enforcement work experience (in the case of current DFPS Special Investigators) may substitute for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
• Experience: At least two (2) years full-time work experience in DFPS Investigations (Child Care Investigations, Child Protective Investigations, Alternative Response, or Special Investigations), Child Protective Services, or a closely related child placing or investigative function.


Preferred:
• Prior experience in supervision, management, or project management is preferred.
 

Additional Information:

Position may be housed at an alternate location within the region of responsibility depending on candidate selected.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.