What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investigator I position at Texas Health and Human Services?
Date: Apr 16, 2026
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Investigator IJob Title: Investigator IAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: DR4798 Administrative ONAPosting Number: 15765Closing Date: 10/15/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Office and Administrative SupportSalary Range: $3,095.33 - $4,594.50Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 10%Regular/Temporary: TemporaryFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4616 W HOWARD LN BLDG 8
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 5805,5813,5819,5821,5822,7596,8012,14N,14NX,183X,1D7X1,1N0X1,1S0X1,250X,311A,31A,31B,31D,31PX,351L
351M,35A,35L,35M,3E7X1,3P0X1,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,5I0,649X,683X,71SX,749X,783X,89D,89E,EOD,INV,IS,IV,LN
MA,ME,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MSSR,MST,OAP12,OAP14
Brief Job Description
The Disaster Assistance Investigator I position performs investigative work in the Other Needs Assistance ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program (IHP).
This position involves investigating alleged lost, forged, and stolen disaster assistance checks and allegations of fraud. This role also involves preparing restitution agreements and related documents to recover unauthorized benefits and submitting required information to appropriate agencies and private institutions to ensure the recovery and/or re-issuance of grant funds. Resolves issues to ensure clients receive funds or recovery of funds. May conduct criminal background research and investigations.
The role requires researching and analyzing information to resolve issues, problems, and complaints. The National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) is used to document, update, and review case records.
This Other Needs Assistance (ONA) temporary position assignment may last up to one year (potentially longer) depending on the disaster response need. It is telework-eligible after a successful 30-day probationary/training period and is eligible for full State of Texas benefits.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Investigates and documents evidence regarding alleged theft or violation involving agency programs. (25%)
Completes reports/forms to document findings or determinations (for example, for investigations, hearings, case actions). (15%)
Inquires into an automated system to retrieve information. (10%)
Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. (15%)
Assists in gathering and analyzing information for reviews or responses. (10%)
Prepares moderately complex ongoing or special narrative or statistical reports. (5%)
Maintains records, files, or logs (for example, administrative, personnel, contract, correspondence, forms, documents, purchasing, case files, tracking logs, files/documents on diskette) including filing, retrieving, or purging. (5%)
Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. (5%)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
High School graduate or equivalent.
Experience With Windows-based Software Preferred.
Experience in investigative data analysis or research report writing or previous disaster assistance experience.
Additional Information
Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement. This position is eligible for State of Texas employee benefits.
Candidates for positions with ONA must pass a FEMA background check. FEMA’s suitability determination is required to issue credentials for access to data, records, and systems which requires U.S. citizenship. The job offer depends on receiving full suitability clearance from FEMA.
This position requires working beyond normal work hours, including holidays and weekends. During periods of high-volume disaster response, the work schedule will extend to six days a week with 10-hour shifts between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Additional overtime may be available.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
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.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Investigator IJob Title: Investigator IAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: DR4798 Administrative ONAPosting Number: 15765Closing Date: 10/15/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Office and Administrative SupportSalary Range: $3,095.33 - $4,594.50Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-14Shift: Day
Additional Shift
Telework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 10%Regular/Temporary: TemporaryFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4616 W HOWARD LN BLDG 8
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 5805,5813,5819,5821,5822,7596,8012,14N,14NX,183X,1D7X1,1N0X1,1S0X1,250X,311A,31A,31B,31D,31PX,351L
351M,35A,35L,35M,3E7X1,3P0X1,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,5I0,649X,683X,71SX,749X,783X,89D,89E,EOD,INV,IS,IV,LN
MA,ME,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MSSR,MST,OAP12,OAP14
Brief Job Description
The Disaster Assistance Investigator I position performs investigative work in the Other Needs Assistance ONA) provision of the Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program (IHP).
This position involves investigating alleged lost, forged, and stolen disaster assistance checks and allegations of fraud. This role also involves preparing restitution agreements and related documents to recover unauthorized benefits and submitting required information to appropriate agencies and private institutions to ensure the recovery and/or re-issuance of grant funds. Resolves issues to ensure clients receive funds or recovery of funds. May conduct criminal background research and investigations.
The role requires researching and analyzing information to resolve issues, problems, and complaints. The National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS) is used to document, update, and review case records.
This Other Needs Assistance (ONA) temporary position assignment may last up to one year (potentially longer) depending on the disaster response need. It is telework-eligible after a successful 30-day probationary/training period and is eligible for full State of Texas benefits.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
Investigates and documents evidence regarding alleged theft or violation involving agency programs. (25%)
Completes reports/forms to document findings or determinations (for example, for investigations, hearings, case actions). (15%)
Inquires into an automated system to retrieve information. (10%)
Communicates on an intermediate level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints. (15%)
Assists in gathering and analyzing information for reviews or responses. (10%)
Prepares moderately complex ongoing or special narrative or statistical reports. (5%)
Maintains records, files, or logs (for example, administrative, personnel, contract, correspondence, forms, documents, purchasing, case files, tracking logs, files/documents on diskette) including filing, retrieving, or purging. (5%)
Documents case records using automated equipment to form a record for each client. (5%)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. (10%)
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- Overall program, including federal and state guidelines, regulations, programs, policies, and procedures
- Federal, other state government, and private non-profit disaster recovery assistance agencies and programs
- Investigative practices and techniques
- Court procedures, practices and rules of evidence
- Interviewing techniques to obtain personal information, make inquiries, and resolve conflicting statements
- Operating computers to perform data entry and basic office software use such as Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
- Working with the public and public groups.
- Communicating orally and in writing
- Mathematical computations
- Conduct interviews and gather facts
- Evaluate findings and prepare clear and concise reports
- Listen, elicit and evaluate information, interpret terms, and resolve conflicting statements
- Navigate and interpret information on the Federal National Emergency Management Information System (NEMIS).
- Establish priorities relative to importance, setting goals, managing time efficiently, and completing work within required timeframes.
- Conduct investigations and interpret and apply laws and regulations
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria
High School graduate or equivalent.
Experience With Windows-based Software Preferred.
Experience in investigative data analysis or research report writing or previous disaster assistance experience.
Additional Information
Upon hire, the selected candidate will be required to sign a Temporary Employment Agreement. This position is eligible for State of Texas employee benefits.
Candidates for positions with ONA must pass a FEMA background check. FEMA’s suitability determination is required to issue credentials for access to data, records, and systems which requires U.S. citizenship. The job offer depends on receiving full suitability clearance from FEMA.
This position requires working beyond normal work hours, including holidays and weekends. During periods of high-volume disaster response, the work schedule will extend to six days a week with 10-hour shifts between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Additional overtime may be available.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans
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.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.
Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: Austin
Salary : $3,095 - $4,595