Texas Health and Human Services
Unregulated Operations Investigator IV
Texas Health and Human Services, Watauga, Texas, United States
Posted on Jan 2, 2026 | Closing Date: March 4, 2026
Location: Watauga, TX (5117 Watauga Rd, 5117 WATAUGA RD) Other Locations: Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Plano
Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) | Department: North Region CCL Unreg Ops
Functional Title: Unregulated Operations Investigator IV | Job Title: Investigator IV | Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 | Salary Range: $5,368.08 – $6,779.25 per month (Monthly Pay) | Shift: Day | Telework: Yes | Travel: Up to 75% | Full Time | FLSA: Nonexempt
Benefits include 100% paid employee health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
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
This Position Performs Highly Complex (senior‑level) Investigative Work of Unregulated Child Care Facilities in accordance with the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42, the Texas Administrative Code, and the Child Care Regulation Policy and Procedures Handbook. Works Under Limited Supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Key responsibilities include:
Proactively searching for unregulated operations and identifying the appropriate level of risk at intake.
Conducting complex investigations, including interviewing caregivers, parents, children, and others; conducting surveillance; and thoroughly documenting findings.
Evaluating, assessing, and making determinations on exemption requests.
Acting as lead community engagement and outreach specialist for Child Care Regulation, educating communities and families on rules and benefits of regulated child care and expanding the child care community.
Taking appropriate enforcement actions on high‑risk or non‑compliant operations and educating potential providers on becoming regulated child care providers.
Representing Child Care Regulation through informational and educational presentations to the public, at conferences, and in collaboration with child health and safety advocates.
This position routinely interacts with other state agency staff, local and regional stakeholders, representatives from various private and public organizations, and the general public. It requires extensive field travel and occasional office work.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Investigations:
Initiates investigations of unregulated operations based on priority and risk. Conducts walk‑throughs, interviews, deescalation, surveillance, documentation, and notification to those under investigation. (35%)
Searching:
Conducts proactive searches, enters intakes, and uses specialized applications to determine priority. Develops investigative procedures and recommends legal or regulatory actions. (20%)
Exemptions:
Evaluates and assesses exemption requests, reviews criteria, conducts inspections, and provides written correspondence. (15%)
Community Engagement and Outreach:
Acts as lead specialist, plans and presents in‑person and virtual training sessions, builds collaborative relationships, and expands capacity. (15%)
Enforcement Actions:
Initiates enforcement recommendations for high‑risk operations, gathers evidence, consults with legal teams, prepares for hearings, and testifies in court. (5%)
Continuing Education:
Maintains knowledge of child development, regulation, and investigative practices. (5%)
Other Duties as Assigned:
Conducts additional duties as needed, recommends policy updates, and maintains unit operations. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of Texas laws and regulations.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in applying emotional intelligence to all situations.
Skill in establishing and building rapport.
Skill in presenting, both in‑person and virtually.
Ability to critically think and identify risk and mitigation measures.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people while promoting cultural diversity.
Ability to de‑escalate situations with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to self‑start, organize, and manage priorities.
Ability to operate basic office equipment including camera and AV equipment.
Ability to travel.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications 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 a closely related field. Years of experience may substitute for education on a one‑to‑one basis.
Experience in Evaluating and Analyzing Risk to Children (Preferred) Experience in participating in, leading, or coordinating community engagement activities, preferred.
Additional Information Work hours are flexible and may include evenings and weekends. Most work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet and cell phone, and travel may be required outside the headquartered geographical area.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations Reasonable accommodation will be provided during the hiring and selection process. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 if you need assistance completing the online application or require accommodations for the interview process.
Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Selected applicants must pass a background check, including a criminal history check and review of the Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. HHSC uses E‑Verify. Bring I‑9 documentation on your first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework, subject to state and agency telework policies and business needs.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Contract
Job Function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Government Administration
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Location: Watauga, TX (5117 Watauga Rd, 5117 WATAUGA RD) Other Locations: Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Plano
Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) | Department: North Region CCL Unreg Ops
Functional Title: Unregulated Operations Investigator IV | Job Title: Investigator IV | Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 | Salary Range: $5,368.08 – $6,779.25 per month (Monthly Pay) | Shift: Day | Telework: Yes | Travel: Up to 75% | Full Time | FLSA: Nonexempt
Benefits include 100% paid employee health insurance, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time‑off benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
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
This Position Performs Highly Complex (senior‑level) Investigative Work of Unregulated Child Care Facilities in accordance with the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42, the Texas Administrative Code, and the Child Care Regulation Policy and Procedures Handbook. Works Under Limited Supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Key responsibilities include:
Proactively searching for unregulated operations and identifying the appropriate level of risk at intake.
Conducting complex investigations, including interviewing caregivers, parents, children, and others; conducting surveillance; and thoroughly documenting findings.
Evaluating, assessing, and making determinations on exemption requests.
Acting as lead community engagement and outreach specialist for Child Care Regulation, educating communities and families on rules and benefits of regulated child care and expanding the child care community.
Taking appropriate enforcement actions on high‑risk or non‑compliant operations and educating potential providers on becoming regulated child care providers.
Representing Child Care Regulation through informational and educational presentations to the public, at conferences, and in collaboration with child health and safety advocates.
This position routinely interacts with other state agency staff, local and regional stakeholders, representatives from various private and public organizations, and the general public. It requires extensive field travel and occasional office work.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Investigations:
Initiates investigations of unregulated operations based on priority and risk. Conducts walk‑throughs, interviews, deescalation, surveillance, documentation, and notification to those under investigation. (35%)
Searching:
Conducts proactive searches, enters intakes, and uses specialized applications to determine priority. Develops investigative procedures and recommends legal or regulatory actions. (20%)
Exemptions:
Evaluates and assesses exemption requests, reviews criteria, conducts inspections, and provides written correspondence. (15%)
Community Engagement and Outreach:
Acts as lead specialist, plans and presents in‑person and virtual training sessions, builds collaborative relationships, and expands capacity. (15%)
Enforcement Actions:
Initiates enforcement recommendations for high‑risk operations, gathers evidence, consults with legal teams, prepares for hearings, and testifies in court. (5%)
Continuing Education:
Maintains knowledge of child development, regulation, and investigative practices. (5%)
Other Duties as Assigned:
Conducts additional duties as needed, recommends policy updates, and maintains unit operations. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of Texas laws and regulations.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in applying emotional intelligence to all situations.
Skill in establishing and building rapport.
Skill in presenting, both in‑person and virtually.
Ability to critically think and identify risk and mitigation measures.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people while promoting cultural diversity.
Ability to de‑escalate situations with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to self‑start, organize, and manage priorities.
Ability to operate basic office equipment including camera and AV equipment.
Ability to travel.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications 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 a closely related field. Years of experience may substitute for education on a one‑to‑one basis.
Experience in Evaluating and Analyzing Risk to Children (Preferred) Experience in participating in, leading, or coordinating community engagement activities, preferred.
Additional Information Work hours are flexible and may include evenings and weekends. Most work will be conducted using mobile technology, such as a tablet and cell phone, and travel may be required outside the headquartered geographical area.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.
ADA Accommodations Reasonable accommodation will be provided during the hiring and selection process. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 if you need assistance completing the online application or require accommodations for the interview process.
Pre‑Employment Checks and Work Eligibility Selected applicants must pass a background check, including a criminal history check and review of the Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Registry. HHSC uses E‑Verify. Bring I‑9 documentation on your first day of work.
Telework Disclaimer This position may be eligible for telework, subject to state and agency telework policies and business needs.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Contract
Job Function
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Government Administration
#J-18808-Ljbffr