Child Care Investigator

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; All (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vital public health initiative as an Associate Investigator, where you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of childcare programs across New York City. This position involves investigating allegations of unsafe and unregulated childcare operations, collaborating with various agencies, and conducting outreach to educate the public on the importance of licensed providers. With a commitment to equity and a focus on community health, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families. If you are passionate about public service and have a keen eye for detail, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Premium-free health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Tax-deferred savings program

Worksite Wellness Program

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in investigations or related fields.
• Strong writing and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of illegal childcare operations.
• Collaborate with agencies like ACS and NYPD.
• Conduct public education on licensed providers.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Observational Skills

Writing Skills

Teamwork

Independence

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Mobile Computing Devices

Job description

ONLY PERMANENT EMPLOYEES IN THE TITLE AND THOSE THAT ARE REACHABLE ON THE ASSOCIATE INVESTIGATOR CIVIL SERVICE LIST ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

Division/Program Summary Description:
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance and enforcement. With staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control.

The Bureau of Child Care ensures that childcare services in New York City operate in compliance with the New York City Health Code and New York State Social Service regulations and are licensed or permitted as required by law. The Bureau routinely monitors childcare programs to protect the health and safety of children while in the childcare environment, and actively works to improve and expand access to high quality programs which enhance early childhood development and learning.

Position Summary:
The Bureau seeks to hire an Associate Investigator to respond to allegations of provider activity associated with childcare programs that are unsafe, unhealthy or unregulated. The Child Care Investigator will also search for childcare providers who are operating illegally, unregulated, and thus more likely to create an environment with health and safety risks to children.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Investigate allegations of illegal childcare operations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
2. Conduct intense surveillance in and around commercial and residential buildings of suspected illegal operations.
3. Interview childcare operators, staff, witnesses, families and children involved in complaints involving allegations of illegal operations.
4. Collaborate with other investigative agencies such as ACS, DOI, NYPD, FDNY.
5. Examine and analyze records and files of the childcare program to ensure compliance with regulations.
6. Maintain confidential records and files for all investigations performed.
7. Must be prepared to produce all required records and evidence to substantiate related legal processes.
8. Conduct public education and outreach efforts conveying the importance of choosing licensed providers and reporting to the NYC Health Department programs that may be unsafe, unhealthy or operating illegally.
9. Travel throughout New York City using mass transit or a personal car and carry approximately 15 pounds of inspection equipment.

Why you should work for us:
City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:

1. A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
2. Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
3. A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
4. A tax-deferred savings program.
5. A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

Job Security: You could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Commitment to Equity:
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Minimum Qualifications:
1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and five years of satisfactory, full-time experience as an investigator evaluating credit worthiness, searching for assets, verifying information concerning education, experience, and other personal qualifications bearing upon character and fitness for employment, or performing investigations involving the research, compilation and/or location of evidence or information in order to build a case or uncover activities of a criminal, corrupt, unlawful or unethical nature; or
2. An associate degree or 60 semester credits from an accredited college and four years of satisfactory, full-time experience as described in "1" above; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of satisfactory, full-time experience as described in "1" above; or
4. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good observational skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to deduce potential impacts of conditions or assess risk.
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to adequately describe observations in detail.
• Experience conducting administrative, criminal, or internal investigations or in child protective services a plus.
• Computer skills including the use of mobile computing devices.

55a Program:
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information:
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.