Sergeant

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 84,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Texas is seeking a Sergeant for the OIG State Center Investigations Team. The role involves leading complex investigations into abuse, neglect, and exploitation at state centers and hospitals.

Requires strong interview, reporting, and courtroom testimony skills, with up to 50% travel. The Sergeant is a commissioned peace officer with knowledge of criminal law and outcomes in administrative or judicial settings.

Qualifications

• Ten years as a commissioned peace officer/investigator or six years plus a four-year degree.
• Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of state and federal criminal law and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Conducts investigations and examinations of alleged violations of laws, rules, and regulations. Identifies contacts, interviews potential suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
• Evaluates, summarizes, and documents investigative findings; prepares reports and records.
• Examines and analyzes business activities to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations.
• Assists in preparing cases for hearings or court; testifies and presents evidence as needed.
• Performs other duties to support the Office of Inspector General mission.

Skills

Criminal investigations

Interviews

Case reporting

Evidence handling

Word processing

Excel

Education

Four-year degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Posting ID21743-Posted09/22/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-State Ctr Invest Team-Legal- Additional Shifts available (1) -d. $7000 - $8999 per month

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 .

Functional Title: Sergeant

Job Title: Sergeant HHS OIG

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: State Ctr Invest Team

Posting Number: 21743

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $7,498.41-$8,919.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-C-04

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework:

Travel: Up to 50%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: ABILENE

Job Location Address: 4601 S 1ST ST

Other Locations: None

MOS Codes: 0300,0311,0313,0317,0321,331,341,352,363,365,367,369,370,372,393,5803,5805,5811,5813,5814,5816,5819
5821,113X,11A,11B,11C,11Z,14N,14NX,180A,18A,18B,18F,18Z,19ZX,1N0X1,311A,31A,31B,31D,31PX,351L,351M
35A,35L,35M,3P0X1,5IO,5IX,649X,715X,71SX,749X,7S0X1,GM,INV,IV,MA,ME,MLES,MST,OAF10,OAP10,OAP12,OAP14
OAR10,OAR13,OAR17,OS,SO

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Sergeant is a commissioned peace officer position selected by and reports to the Captain of the State Center Investigations Team (SCIT) within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The position performs complex criminal investigations involving allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents in state supported living centers and patients in state hospitals, and any other criminal allegations occurring at the state supported living centers and state hospitals. Investigations are conducted independently and require skills in evaluating, planning, and organizing, as well as quickly learning about the program areas managed by HHS agencies. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Investigations involve interviewing and taking statements; gathering and analyzing records; coordinating with other internal and external departments; may serve as lead on joint investigations; conducting surveillance and other covert investigations; preparing investigative reports; and testifying in judicial proceedings and/or administrative hearings. Investigations may result in referrals to management for consideration of adverse personnel actions or other executive level responses, referrals to prosecuting authorities, and referrals to outside entities at the local, state, and federal levels. 50% travel is required.

Essential Job Functions (EJF)

• EJF 1. Conducts investigations and examinations of alleged violations of laws, rules, and regulations. Identifies contacts, and interviews potential suspect, witnesses, and complainants. Collects data and conducts field studies. Assists in performing undercover or surveillance work regarding suspected violators. 40%
• EJF 2. Evaluates, summarizes, and documents investigative findings. Prepares records, correspondence, and reports. Interacts and exchanges information with various state, local, or federal law enforcement organizations. 25%
• EJF 3. Examines, investigates, and analyzes the business activities of entities to ensure compliance with statutory standards and regulations. May review samples of completed investigations to ensure the consistent and correct application of policy and monitors the quality and quantity of investigations conducted. 20%
• EJF 4. Assists in preparing cases for presentations at hearings or in court. Testifies and presents evidence in formal hearings or court proceedings. 10%
• EJF 5. Performs other duties necessary to achieve the mission of OIG. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary. 5%

Knowledge of criminal investigative principles, techniques, and methodologies.

Knowledge of agency goals, objectives, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to law enforcement activities.

Knowledge of criminal and civil court proceedings and rules of evidence.

Skill in interviewing techniques.

Skill in researching and interpreting complex rules and regulations.

Skill in applying investigative techniques and procedures to assigned cases.

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to use and care for firearms.

Ability to conduct investigations.

Ability to evaluate, analyze, and investigate allegations of wrongdoing.

Ability to prepare investigative reports.

Ability to interpret and apply applicable provisions of the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, and federal statutes pertaining to criminal investigations.

Ability to interpret and apply Agency policies and procedures.

Ability to communicate effectively.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE

Applicant must possess a valid Texas Driver License by employment start date.

Applicant required to possess a Texas commissioned peace officer license by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE); copy of license required at time of interview.

Ability to obtain TLETS certification.

Ability to demonstrate firearms proficiency and qualify under current TCOLE rules and regulations by employment start date.

Initial Screening Criteria

Ten years of experience as a commissioned Peace Officer/Investigator OR six (6) years of experience as a commissioned Peace Officer/Investigator plus a four (4) year degree, from an accredited university.

Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel.

Additional Information

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

Applicants selected for this position should be prepared to pass a thorough background investigation.

The offered salary will be based on the State’s Law Enforcement Salary Schedule (Salary Schedule C) which contains salaries for the State’s law enforcement positions This schedule provides the salary structure only for peace officers licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Officers Standards and Education.

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 tothose 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.