Under minimal supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment conducts advanced (senior-level) investigations and inspections of unregulated child care facilities in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Human Resources Code (HRC), Minimum Standards, and Child Care Regulation Policy and Procedures Handbook (CCRPPH). Work involves actively searching for unregulated operations; conducting and supporting complex unregulated operation investigations; organizing and conducting parent and provider trainings related to the benefits of regulation; acting as lead on regional community engagement and outreach; and processing exemptions. This position interacts routinely with other state agency staff; local and regional stakeholders; representatives from various private and public organizations; and the general public.

Essential Job Functions:
Oversees the inspection of unregulated child care operations and the compilation, review, and analysis of information to identify unregulated child care operations. Initiates investigations of unregulated facilities. Oversees the follow-up on high risk unregulated operations to ensure closure and evaluates new applications to issue licenses and registrations. Establishes the priorities and methods of securing evidence of unregulated childcare operations and prepares and processes exemptions to determine whether applicants meet all required exemption criteria. Balances enforcing all laws, rules, and regulations to respond to the higher risk allegations first. (20%)

Oversees the preparation of documents regarding compliance or noncompliance with standards using agency forms, and notifies child care providers of required enforcement actions being taken. Ensures that documentation addresses risk to children and supports decisions. Clearly explains laws, rules, and regulations, as well as what constitutes a violation. (15%)

Oversees investigations of complaints, serious incidents and reports of unregulated child care facilities, and reviews compliance by monitoring reports and overseeing follow-up actions in cases where violations were found. Oversees the responds to emergency complaints of abuse/neglect in unregulated child care operations and licensed/registered operations. Recognizes situations that warrant assertive action and moves forward without hesitation. (15%)

Oversees training and technical assistance provided to child care providers on issues related to minimum standards, rule and law. Makes recommendations to providers on how to correct violations and oversees follow-up inspections to determine compliance. Clearly communicates the reason for compliance. Explains the regulation, standard, or policy to ensure the provider understands the key provisions. (15%)

Provides information to and solicits information from parents, providers, and the general public about unregulated child care operations, and licensed and registered child care. Leads community efforts as the regional community engagement specialist and participates in activities to inform the public and stakeholders about unregulated child care operations. Testifies at administrative hearings or courts of jurisdiction. (25%)

Maintains continuing education and current knowledge of child development, regulatory practices, health and safety, applicable laws and rules, and regulated fields to support the mission of Child Care Regulation. (5%)

Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Regulatory experience in compliance with law, rules and policy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to strategically plan and manage outcomes covering a large geographic area.
Ability to evaluate facility’s operations in relation to agency guidelines for management of child care facilities.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Ability to analyze and use data to improve outcomes.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and demonstrate independent judgment.
Ability to travel.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Driver License

Initial Selection Criteria:
Bachelor's Degree
Experience in evaluating and analyzing risk to children.
Experience in participating in community engagement activities.

Additional Information:
Please include your location preference on your application.

MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx
MOS Code: No Direct Military Occupations relate to the responsibilities of the position posted.

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