Senior Investigator (Investigator VI)

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core Values We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.

We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students. We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students. We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Position Overview

At the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams, Field Support and Compliance & Investigations, focus on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools.

By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education. On behalf of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Commissioner of Education, the Educator Investigations Division (EID)¿plays a critical role in safeguarding students in Texas by addressing allegations of misconduct involving educators and school employees.

The division is structured into two primary units: Intake and Investigations. The Intake Unit serves as the initial review and decision-making engine for the division, where complex information is assessed, risks are evaluated, and critical decisions are made. The team reviews misconduct reports, conducts preliminary reviews, tracks criminal matters, and collaborates with the Office of the Inspector General to facilitate the temporary suspension and inclusion process.

This unit makes recommendations for formal investigations in strict accordance with SBEC and agency policy, always prioritizing student safety. The Investigations Unit conducts formal investigations into reports of alleged misconduct by SBEC-certified educators and non-certified school employees. This unit ensures that due process is provided in all cases, maintaining a strong commitment to protecting students and upholding the integrity of the educational environment.

The Senior Investigators are responsible for conducting investigations that support the mission of the OG, TEA, and SBEC. These investigations may be conducted virtually or onsite, depending on the assignment. Senior Investigators may take a lead role in coordinating with the TEA Special Investigations Division (SID), other TEA divisions, and external agencies.

They may also be directed to initiate investigations immediately and develop investigation plans based on limited initial information. Senior Investigators are technical experts in their field, demonstrating a superior level of understanding in the principles and techniques associated with investigating allegations of misconduct.

This role involves effectively overseeing and conducting complex investigations, preparing written recommendations, collaborating across divisions, delivering presentations, training staff on best practices, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts. Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume, 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 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: leads preliminary reviews and conducts highly advanced, senior-level, and high-profile investigations into reports and complaints involving child abuse, solicitation, educator misconduct, ethics violations, and other compliance issues under the authority of SBEC or the Commissioner of Education; and collects and evaluates evidence, interviews witnesses, and collaborates with internal and external partners to reach findings in alignment with investigative plans, division protocols, priorities, and time standards
2. Analysis and Recommendation: analyzes information from initial complaints and investigations to assess the relevance and significance of facts in relation to the allegations; applies agency, state, and federal policies to identify red flags, assess risk, and make informed recommendations for case resolution; utilizes appropriate analytical tools and techniques; demonstrates exemplary technical skills and a deep contextual understanding of allegations; identifies multiple sources of information; and assesses overarching risks to student safety and potential culpability at various levels within a school system
3. Documentation, Report Writing, and Presentations: accurately documents the collection of information and key milestones throughout the investigative process; synthesizes findings into organized, professional, and comprehensive reports, case briefings, and referrals that clearly communicate evidence-based findings and provide essential context for stakeholders; develops high-quality presentations for senior agency leadership and the Commissioner as appropriate; and trains staff on best practices in investigations and report writing as needed
4. Testimony and Litigation Support: provides testimony and presents evidence and analysis in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings to support enforcement and compliance actions; prepares professional exhibits and offers litigation support to legal staff as needed; and trains staff on best practices for delivering testimony and supporting the litigation process as needed
5. Investigative Operations: performs special projects to support division operations; collaborates with colleagues, legal staff, and external agencies to strengthen investigative outcomes, uphold accountability, and maintain high standards in Texas public education; serves as a subject matter expert, provides strategic oversight of cases, and ensures workflow continuity and operational efficiency, occasionally serving in a supervisory capacity

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in performing background checks, reviewing allegations of misconduct, or conducting investigations relating to child abuse 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.

Working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to misconduct, criminal and administrative investigations, and confidentiality, including the Texas Penal Code, Texas Education Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code, and FERPA. Experience conducting and reviewing criminal and administrative investigations, including allegations of child abuse, financial fraud, and educator certification or licensing violations, such as testing misconduct and manipulation of the SBEC certification process.

Demonstrated ability to effectively interview witnesses and accused individuals regarding alleged acts of misconduct. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills that establish and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, law enforcement, court personnel, legal staff, and other TEA divisions.

Aptitude for gathering and analyzing information from multiple sources, presenting the information in detailed, factual, concise, and professionally written reports, and making sound recommendations by required deadlines. Demonstrated success in providing guidance and/or training to staff on best practices in investigative or related functions.

Willingness to seek efficiencies in an office environment, stay organized, prioritize tasks to achieve goals and objectives, deliver requirements to internal and external customers, and contribute to the agency's priorities. A desire to self-reflect, give/receive feedback, and continuously improve. Must satisfy the Texas Department of Public Safety's criteria for access to the TX DPS secure website and Clearinghouse.

Experience coordinating investigations with school districts, DFPS, and law enforcement to ensure thorough investigative outcomes, preferred. New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits

Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must: Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application. Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference.

This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures. For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status. TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas. 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.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page . Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add capps.

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