Unregulated Operations Investigator IV

Texas Health and Human Services; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 59,907 - 75,656; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking an Investigator IV in Dallas, TX, focused on reducing risks to children in child care settings. This position entails conducting investigations, community engagement, and ensuring compliance with Texas laws. Candidates should have a relevant degree and possess strong communication skills. The salary range is between $5,368.08 and $6,779.25 per month, with various essential job functions outlined including education and outreach activities.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a relevant degree.

Responsibilities

• Initiate investigations of unregulated operations based on risk priority.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of child care facilities.
• Act as lead specialist educating families and communities.

Skills

Knowledge of Texas laws and regulation

Effective verbal and written communication

Critical thinking

Building rapport

Self-start, organize, and manage priorities

Education

Degree in Human Development or related field

Job description

Date: May 13, 2026
Location: DALLAS, TX

Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Job Title: Investigator IV
Department: North Region CCL Unreg Ops
Shift: Day
Salary Range: $5,368.08 - $6,779.25 per month

Brief Job Description

• Reduce risk to children in child care settings
• Educate the public and families on the benefits of choosing regulated child care
• Flexibility
• Challenging and rewarding career

Essential Job Functions

Investigations (35%)

• Initiate investigations of unregulated operations based on risk priority.
• Conduct thorough walk-throughs of child care facilities to evaluate risk and determine compliance.
• Interview staff, children, parents, neighbors, and others.
• Address conflicting information and deescalate uncooperative situations.
• Conduct surveillance to verify child care occurrence.
• Document findings comprehensively.
• Prepare notifications to investigated operations.

Searching (20%)

• Perform proactive searches to identify unregulated operations.
• Enter intakes based on search results.
• Use specialized applications to determine priority of intakes.
• Plan and develop investigative procedures.
• Analyze statutes, TAC, and policy to recommend actions.

Exemptions (15%)

• Evaluate exemption requests per policy and code.
• Consult with leadership and legal.
• Inspect operations to support determinations.
• Provide written correspondence on exemption decisions.

Community Engagement and Outreach (15%)

• Act as lead specialist educating families and communities.
• Plan, prepare, and present in-person and virtual presentations and trainings.
• Build collaborative relationships with partners.

Enforcement Actions (5%)

• Identify high risk operations and recommend enforcement actions.
• Gather evidence and documentation.
• Consult with legal team and prepare supporting documentation.
• Testify in court proceedings related to enforcement.

Continuing Education (5%)

• Maintain knowledge of child development, investigation, regulatory practices, laws, and rules.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Conduct other duties as assigned; recommend policy updates.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Texas laws and regulation.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships.
• Applying emotional intelligence in all situations.
• Building rapport.
• Presenting in-person and virtually.
• Critical thinking; identify risk and mitigation measures.
• Working with diverse groups respecting cultural diversity.
• De-escalating situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Self-start, organize, and manage priorities.
• Operate basic office and camera/AV equipment.
• Travel capability.

Registrations and Licensure Requirements

Valid driver’s license.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in Human Development, Early Childhood Development, Social Services, Education, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Public Health, Family Studies, or related field or equivalent experience.

Preferred Experience

• Experience evaluating and analyzing risk to children.
• Experience participating in, leading or coordinating community engagement activities.