FINDRS Investigator I

FINDRS Investigator I

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

Brief Job Description:
FINDRS Investigator I - The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Family Inquiry Network/Database Research System (FINDRS) Investigator II position performs investigative work evaluating and processing diligent searches, locate, and research services to all DFPS whenever there is a legitimate business need to locate individuals. This position conducts, researches and evaluates searches for absent parents, relatives, persons of interest, and general information in accordance to DFPS policies and procedures. The position utilizes multiple databases and evaluates search results to positively identify the search subject, documents search findings, evaluates the findings in accordance with current program, and agency policies and procedures. The position reviews and prepares records, correspondence, and reports, and makes recommendations regarding diligent search determinations. This position serves as a liaison to DFPS staff to assist in providing information or technical assistance regarding diligent search programs, processes, policies, and requirements. The position interacts routinely with all areas of DFPS, including Program Support, Purchased Client Services, Information Technology, Program staff in CPS, APS and CPI, as well as HHSC and other state and federal agencies, service providers, and the general public. Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Researches complex diligent search reports to locate missing parents, relatives or other persons the agency has a legitimate business need to locate. A diligent search is a thorough search for any person or entity. Search may include but is not limited to addresses, phone numbers, vehicles/plate numbers, assets, criminal records, social security numbers, possible names/aliases, web presence, Department of Defense Certificates (active duty or not), and social media. Also may include a search for child support cases in Texas, photos of individuals, and information contained in the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign Project (TIERS). Evaluates, and analyzes search results to determine whether any diligent search results are applicable to the individual in which information needs to be located for. Researches and evaluates search results using a variety of proprietary database aggregators and online investigation software, such as Accurint, Thomas Reuter’s Clear, TIERS, IMPACT, social media, and other public web sites. The research results can be lengthy and difficult to read. This work requires the ability to utilize investigative techniques to narrow down results to the correct information and conduct further research when results are incomplete. Seeks assistance from manager or team lead when unable to locate needed results (40%)

Summarizes and documents FINDRS diligent search results which may include an affidavit or a word document which contains the results for requested information, family tree information, child support information, TIERS information, Social Media, Court of Continuing Jurisdiction and Paternity Registry requests and returned documents from DSHS, Department of Defense Certificates (active duty or not), photos, and any other information for each subject reviewed and communicates the diligent search findings by electronic mail to the requestor regarding identity and locating information for missing parents, relatives or other persons the agency has a legitimate business need to locate in accordance with applicable program and agency policies and procedures. Enters diligent search information in the appropriate areas of the Filemaker database. (20%)

Requests on behalf of Child Protection Services Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (CCJ) and Paternity Registry (PR) searches utilizing agency database and sending requests via inter agency mail to the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Office of Vital Statistics (VS). Analyze and confirm matching of incoming CCJ and PR certificates from DSHS, logging receipt of documents in agency Filemaker database and then mailing documents out to child protective services requestor via inter agency mail. Serves as a liaison between CPS and DSHS/VSS for all technical issues, requests for assistance with policy and procedures for requesting documents, as well as any issues/errors that arise surrounding CCJ and PR documents. (10%)

Provides technical support to DFPS staff by phone, email or in person regarding submission of FINDRS requests to the agency via the email, and status of FINDRS results. Serves as a liaison to DFPS staff to provide technical guidance in regards to FINDRS programs, processes, policies and requirements. Provides job specific training as needed to other FINDRS staff regarding FINDRS processes and policies, and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)

Receives FINDRS requests to locate and research a person or entity and enters subject’s personally identifying information (PII) into a variety of agency computerized systems and external databases. Requests are submitted to FINDRS through the agency’s Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT) system or by email to create a database file for result storage. (20%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Knowledge of Information Management Protecting Adults and Children in Texas (IMPACT) and DFPS programs preferred.

Skill in:

Skills in the use of standard office equipment and software products proficiently including Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel and Outlook.
Skills in working in an environment that provides customer service.
Skills in effective verbal and written communications
Skill in searching records to identify and retrieve information.
Skill in the formulation of comprehensive investigative report.
Skill in critical thinking, problem solving and research

Ability to:

Ability to apply investigative principles, techniques and procedures.
Ability to analyze and compile data and pay close attention to detail.
Ability to effectively use word processing software, spreadsheets and databases.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing thru clear, concise and grammatically correct correspondence, reports, letters and memorandums.
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple tasks and to work under pressure and time constraints producing no less than the required number of searches per month.
Ability to maintain filing and tracking systems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers, and internal stakeholders; while maintaining sensitive and confidential information.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
One-year experience in investigative procedures conducting searches, researching, and analyzing the results. Experience with the use of standard office equipment and software products including Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience with internet databases utilized for locate investigations such as CLEAR, Accurint, and various internet web browsers, and sites preferred.
Experience with Child Protective or Adult Investigations, preferred.

Additional Information:

This position qualifies for full-time telework. Travel to the assigned Austin location is required periodically subject to DFPS telework requirements. A telework agreement is required to be signed.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those 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. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.