Investigator II

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Disaster Assistance Investigator II
This position is telework-eligible following a successful 30-day probationary period and ongoing adherence to performance standards.
Performs investigative work in the Other Needs Assistance ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program (IHP) including training and leading new investigative staff in all aspects of investigative policies and procedures. Investigates alleged lost, forged, and stole disaster assistance checks and allegations of fraud. Prepares restitution agreements and related documents to recover unauthorized benefits due to administrative errors, over-payments, or fraud; and submits required information to appropriate agencies and private institutions to ensure the recovery and/or re-issuance of grant funds. Resolves issues to ensure clients receive funds or recovery of funds. May conduct criminal background research and investigations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Investigates and documents evidence regarding alleged theft or violation involving agency programs. (35%)

Completes reports/forms to document findings or determinations (for example, for investigations, hearings, case actions). (15%)

Inquires into an automated system to retrieve information. (15%)

Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. (10%)

Assists in gathering and analyzing information for reviews or responses. (10%)

Prepares moderately complex ongoing or special narrative or statistical reports. (5%)

Maintains records, files, or logs (for example, administrative, personnel, contract, correspondence, forms, documents, purchasing, case files, tracking logs, files/documents on diskette) including filing, retrieving, or purging. (5%)

Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of overall program, including federal and state guidelines, regulations, programs, policies and procedures

Knowledge of investigative practices and techniques

Knowledge of court procedures, practices and rules of evidence

Knowledge of program policies, rules and regulations

Skill in:

Skill in developing sources of information Excellent public relations skill

Skill in using a personal computer

Ability to:

Ability to conduct Investigations

Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations

Ability to conduct interviews and gather facts

Ability to evaluate findings and prepare clear and concise reports

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to establish priorities according to relative importance and deadlines, set goals, and manage time effectively.

Ability to complete work within required timeframes

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School graduate or equivalent.

Experience in windows based software.

Experience in investigative data analysis or research report writing or previous disaster assistance experience.

Additional Information:

Positions advertised with this position description are temporary and will only be filled after a disaster declaration. Management is recruiting to identify qualified candidates that may be hired on short notice to fulfill the operations requirements when there is a federal disaster. Job requires working beyond normal work hours including holidays and weekends when necessary, especially in the first months after a disaster declaration.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 31B, 31D, EOD, 401, 5819, 7S0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.