Unregulated Operations Investigator IV

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.

• 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.

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 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…