Investigator VI

MISSION: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Core Values: 
• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in the pursuit of our main purpose, to improve outcomes for students. 
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain the most committed talent, representing the diversity of Texas, each contributing to our common vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on success and failure, and try new approaches in the pursuit of excellence for our students.
• We are Servant Leaders: Above all else, we are public servants working to improve opportunities for students and provide support to those who serve them.

New hires, re-hires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees in their same classification. Offers will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications and will thoughtfully consider internal pay equity for agency staff who perform similar duties and have similar qualifications. The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates who exceed the requirements and qualifications for the role. The maximum of the salary range is reserved for candidates that far exceed the required and preferred qualifications for the role.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Office of Governance (OG) strives to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. We engage with local education agencies (LEAs) to promote best practices through two core workstreams: Field Support and Compliance & Investigations. By fostering collaboration across the agency and engaging directly in the field, we advance our vision of creating a safe school environment and excellent education for every Texas public school student. 

The Special Investigations Division (SID) is dedicated to safeguarding student welfare and ensuring LEAs adhere to regulatory standards within the Texas educational system. The division plays a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of education by conducting thorough compliance reviews and leading high-profile investigations into violations of the laws governing the Texas educational system. These investigations include misconduct and wrongdoing by district officials and trustees. The three primary teams within SID include Academic Integrity & Student Welfare, the Financial Oversight & School Programs, and Compliance Review. 

Common examples of the types of allegations investigated include tampering with academic records, testing violations, non-compliance with background check requirements, issues of student safety, mismanagement of school resources, violations of procurement laws, misuse of funding, special education matters, and other allegations of non-compliance.

The investigator's role involves advanced regulatory and investigative work, which plays a key role in conducting investigations. This position requires communication with internal divisions, complainants, school personnel and leadership, vendors, law enforcement, and other agencies. Investigators are expected to proactively and critically reflect on their performance and competencies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This position reports to the assigned team manager and operates under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Successful candidates may be assigned to one of the three SID teams based on division or agency needs. 

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume, tailored cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to fingerprinting and a national criminal history background check.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Investigations: conducts complex investigations and compliance reviews into complaints involving assessment irregularities, academic manipulation, financial mismanagement, fraud, public corruption, governance conflict, educator misconduct, ethics violations, and other compliance issues or allegations under the authority of State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) or the Commissioner of Education; collects and evaluates evidence, interviews witnesses, and coordinates with internal and external divisions to make findings in accordance with investigative plans, division protocols, priorities, and time standards; conducts investigations remotely (virtually) or onsite, depending on the assignment 
2. Analysis and Recommendation: analyzes all information provided in the initial complaint and gathered during an investigation, identifying the significance of the facts as they relate to the allegations or provides context to the underlying questions; applies applicable agency, state, and federal policies to identify red flags, assess risk, and make appropriate recommendations and determinations for case resolution; uses appropriate analytical techniques and tools, where applicable
3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentation: adequately documents the collection of information and milestones associated with assignments; synthesizes information and prepares professional and comprehensive reports, case briefings, and referrals that effectively communicate evidence-based findings and provide the context necessary to inform various internal and external stakeholders; uses appropriate case-documentation and presentation techniques and tools to comply with division procedures and maintains professionalism
4. Testimony and Litigation Support: testifies and presents evidence and analysis in cases before administrative, civil, or criminal courts to support enforcement and compliance actions; develops comprehensive and professional exhibits and provides litigation support to legal staff, as needed
5. Investigative Operations: completes projects as assigned to maintain division operations; collaborates with colleagues, external agencies, and legal staff to strengthen investigative outcomes, uphold accountability, and maintain standards in Texas public education

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university
• Degree fields: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Forensic Science, Education, or Psychology 
• Experience: At least four [4] years of experience in conducting or leading complex investigations, including those involving fraud, misconduct, regulatory noncompliance, or violations of public trust with demonstrated expertise in compliance, regulatory, administrative, or criminal investigations. 
• Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• Must pass TEA’s criminal history background check criteria, as well as the Tx Dept. of Public Safety's criteria for accessing the TX DPS secure website and DPS Clearinghouse.
• Possess working knowledge and the ability to explain state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to child abuse and solicitation, misconduct, fraud, waste, and abuse, criminal violations, and confidentiality, including Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code.
• Experience conducting investigations and complaint reviews according to defined procedures and time standards.
• Ability to adapt to and effectively engage with diverse individuals and stakeholders.  
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of data, documents, and records to identify patterns, extract key insights and contextual information, and support informed decision-making in investigations.
• Exhibits superior verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively engage in a collaborative, results-oriented team environment and testify effectively in hearings.    
• Possesses extensive problem-solving skills that identify challenges, gather and analyze facts, evaluate alternatives, and implement best-fit solutions.   
• Displays excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple competing projects or priorities simultaneously. 
• Desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve. 
• Willingness to participate in the agency’s culture of continuous improvement and espouse its core values.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Certified Inspector General Investigator (CIGI), Certified Professional Criminal Investigator (CPCI), or ASIS International Professional Certified Investigator, preferred.

As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status, unless an applicant is entitled to the military employment preference.

To review the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to each job classification series in the State’s Position Classification Plan (provided by the State Auditor's Office), please access the Military Crosswalk (occupational specialty code) Guide and click on the military “occupational category” that corresponds with the state classification in this job posting title.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Please add "[email protected]" and "@tea.texas.gov" to your safe senders list to ensure you receive email notifications from our talent acquisition team and/or hiring division regarding your candidacy.