Investigators with the Child Care Investigations (CCI) division respond to reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation in day care and 24-hour residential child care facilities all across Texas. When a report comes in, our investigators determine what happened and the likelihood of whether any concerns might occur in the future. They work with child care providers and other state agencies to support safer environments for children that receive care outside of their own homes.
Our investigators conduct interviews with children and adults, evaluate possible immediate threats to child safety, and determine the need for safety interventions at child care facilities. On a routine basis, our investigators collaborate with parents, caregivers, DFPS caseworkers, regulatory inspectors, law enforcement, medical professionals, and Children’s Advocacy Centers to conduct thorough investigations.
What are the job positions in CCI?
There are two main positions within this division: Day Care Investigator and Residential Child Care Investigator.
Day Care Investigator
This position conducts investigations of child day care facilities subject to regulation under the Texas Human Resources Code and Texas Family Code. Investigators determine if any children have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a person working under the supervision of the facility.
Residential Child Care Investigator
This position conducts investigations of 24-hour residential child care facilities and child-placing agencies that are subject to regulation under the Texas Human Resources Code and Texas Family Code. Investigators determine if any children have been abused, neglected, or exploited by a person working under the supervision of the facility.
What kinds of things will I be doing?
As an investigator, you will:
- Investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in child care facilities.
- Respond quickly in crisis situations, including fatalities, involving children in situations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in child care facilities.
- Interview or observe children of all ages, build rapport with them, and discuss allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in a way that is appropriate to the child’s developmental level. The children you investigate may have a variety of developmental levels, special medical or mental health needs, and a history of being abused, neglected, or exploited.
- Interview adults who may have perpetrated child abuse, neglect, or exploitation, including professional reporters, bystander witnesses, and caregivers of varying levels of experience.
- Maintain a balance of objectivity, professionalism, and empathy for children and caregivers in stressful and crisis situations.
- Document all relevant information and complete all required forms to support investigation actions.
- Prioritize deadlines, work flexible hours to support timely investigations, and respond to allegation reports that may be received at any time of the day.
- Work as part of a team, which involves helping with crisis situations relating to other investigators’ assignments, as well as following the directions of your supervisor.
- Exercise respect for cultural diversity among coworkers, children, and other adults, while you are determining appropriate investigation actions.
- Make critical decisions about evidence gathered during investigations, reach reasonable and well-thought conclusions, and complete well-written documentation to support conclusions.
Do I need a college degree?
A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Commensurate combination of education and experience can be substituted.
What will my salary be?
The starting salary range is $2,816.65 to $5,370.75 per month and will be based on the job classification and qualifications of the selected applicant.
State employees receive more than just base salary. The State also offers a wide variety of benefits. Those benefits, combined with base salary, form the total compensation package for state employees. The State’s total compensation package, with an average value of $78,146, or $37.57 per hour, consists of direct compensation, or wages paid to employees in exchange for work, and indirect compensation, which consists of quantifiable benefits.
In addition to salary, business-related travel is reimbursed at the state-approved mileage rate and according to DFPS policy.
Will I get trained on what to do?
Yes! You will have lots of great training before beginning your job. When you visit clients on your own, you will have ongoing support from your co-workers and supervisor any time you need it.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes! You will receive ongoing training to prepare you for career progression. There are various levels of certification.
Conditions of Employment
You must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license. DFPS will also complete a criminal background check and CPS history check on all applicants.