Background Checks Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.
What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck
When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don't match-often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.
Here's what you get as a full-time employee:

• 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

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.
You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure
Functional Title: Manager I- Background Checks Job Title: Manager I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Central Background Check Unit Posting Number: 18445 Closing Date: 07/14/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $4,801.16- $7,761.50 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-22 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Facility Location: Job Location City: AUSTIN Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0520,0602,0802,1802,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,111X,112X,113X,114X,16GX,41AX
611X,612X,631X,632X,641X,648X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,SEI15
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Performs routine (journey-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of the DFPS Background Check program. Work involves establishing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, and policies; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating business function, division, or department activities. Assign and monitor the work of the Background Check staff to ensure divisional goals are attained. This includes but is not limited to the research and approval of background check results review and approval of risk assessments. Represent the division to a variety of internal and external stakeholders specific to Background Checks. Provide technical guidance and oversight for the background check applications. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJFs)
Manages day-to-day activities within a business function(s), division(s), or department(s).

• Reviews daily assignment reports within Background Check Program and strategically assigns workload to staff to ensure timely processing and balanced distribution of tasks.
• Evaluates and approves risk assessments completed by background check staff, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with established policies, procedures, and risk evaluation standards.

Manages staff development plans and activities.

• Utilizes quality assurance data and metrics to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for process and program improvement.
• Develops and delivers targeted training sessions and refresher courses for background check staff based on identified needs, ensuring ongoing skill development and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Conducts regular staff conferences in accordance with policy to discuss performance, reinforce expectations, and support individual staff development and goal achievement.

Establishes goals and objectives; develops and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and manages evaluation activities.

• Establishes and coordinates with division program specialists to define and document program goals, set performance standards, and support the implementation of process improvement initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
• Oversees collaboration with the division program support unit to plan and manage evaluation activities, including approving timelines and schedules, to ensure new initiatives are effectively assessed and meet established performance goals.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating business function, division, or department activities.

• Coordinate with division quality assurance specialist to identify quality assurance goals, performance indicators, and program needs, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and compliance requirements.

• Develops and implements additional quality assurance activities and evaluation techniques to assess unit performance, measure effectiveness, and support continuous improvement of processes and outcomes.

Evaluates budget requests, monitors budget expenditures, and adjusts as necessary.

• N/A

Provides input in the development of new policies and procedures, and monitors compliance with policies and procedures.

• Identifies when policies or procedures require updates to support new initiatives or practices and recommends revisions to ensure alignment with regulatory and operational requirements.
• Monitors staff adherence to updated policies or procedures, ensuring consistent implementation and ongoing compliance with established standards and program expectations.

Provides technical expertise and guidance regarding questions related to the business function, division, or department.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on background checks processes and systems in IT projects, providing guidance to ensure requirements are accurately defined and aligned with program needs.
• Actively participates in testing system enhancements during IT projects, validating functionality, identifying issues, and ensuring updates meet operational and compliance requirements.

Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.

• Leads and facilitate workgroup sessions and meetings to gather input and feedback from Background Check staff, management, and internal and external stakeholders promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Analyzes staff and stakeholder feedback to identify trends and develop actionable recommendations to enhance background check processes and program effectiveness.

• Effectively communicates improvement initiatives and recommendations to the Background Check Program Support unit, supporting implementation and ongoing program enhancements.

Prepares management and productivity reports.

• Utilizes performance management and pending workload reports to analyze unit operations and productivity, providing timely, data-driven updates and insights to the Director to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

Provides professional oversight and guidance to other occupations or support staff, including management-level staff, to ensure compliance with and adherence to regulatory standards and established procedures.

• Provides support and guidance on background check processes, polices, and requirements to DFPS divisions and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Delivers technical guidance on background check programs and related applications, assisting with issue resolution, process clarification, and effective system use.
• Supervises assigned staff, including directing work activities, monitoring performance, and ensuring tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with program expectations.

Performs related work as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to background checks
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; and the use of a computer and applicable software.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in effective problem-solving techniques and negotiations
Skill in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
Ability to manage business function, division, or department activities; to establish goals and objectives; to devise solutions to administrative problems; to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
Ability to conduct risk assessments.
Ability to train, manage and develop staff.
Ability to independently interpret and apply various policies and procedures.
Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, competing responsibilities.
Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.
Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures and to devise solutions to administrative problems.
Ability to work independently and with limited direction.
Ability to write policy and design processes.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations and conduct meetings and training activities.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer word processing software, electronic mail and ability to learn agency software applications.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE
None
Initial Screening Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and two (2) years' experience in background check investigative procedures which includes conducting searches, researching, analyzing the results, and conducting risk assessments.
• Experience working within DFPS
Preferred:
• Experience as a supervisor, manager or program/team lead
• Experience in developing policies, procedures, requirements, and training for program operations.
Additional Information:
This position is designated as full-time telework.
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