Associate Commissioner for Child Protective Services

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

7d

About The Position

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.

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Associate Commissioner for Child Protective Services (CPS) performs highly advanced (senior-level) policy administration and managerial work for CPS field and state office programs. Work involves strategic planning, state agency administration, and working closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Children and Family Services on the day-to-day operations of the agency and/or departments and/or divisions. Supervises the work of others including staff at the executive level and/or management level. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques.
• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting and financial principles.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals for operations of a large and/or complex state government organization.
• Skill in decision-making at an executive level, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership.
• Skill in conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking and analysis.
• Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct program activities and/or business functions.
• Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to develop and implement agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to make presentations and testify at hearings.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities.
• Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to compose well-written documents, including letters and position papers.
• Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the agency’s strategic plan.
• Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results.
• Ability to collaborate and work closely with national, state and community organizations.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social work, public administration, or closely related field of study.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the management and direction of a program with at least five (5) years of executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

• DFPS Experience Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs the day-to-day operations of the agency, which may include the agency’s financial and budget activities and other operational or programmatic activities; or oversees major, complex, and functionally related areas organized into multiple departments and/or divisions.
• Provides overall vision, leadership and strategic direction to the CPS division focused on partnering with families and communities to address child abuse and neglect by practicing in a way that ensures safety, permanency, and wellbeing for the children and youth that DFPS serves.
• Directs planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of CPS statewide programs and policies to promote innovation, best practices, effective program administration and service delivery.
• Makes and is accountable for major program management decisions, which impact agency operations statewide, other state agencies, and DFPS clients and resources.
• Directs and approves the preparation of the budget; determines long-range budgetary plans agency wide or for several departments and/or divisions.
• Assesses division resources and oversees the development of the CPS budget in cooperation with the DFPS executive leadership.
• Reviews and makes management decisions regarding budget and staff allocation for programs administered by CPS.
• Determines long-range CPS related budgetary plans by collaborating with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and Chief Financial Officer and DFPS executive leadership to determine critical resources necessary to promote agency goals and objectives, and to assist in development of the agency’s budget and Legislative Appropriations Request.
• Oversees and/or prepares agency policies, procedures, reports, and studies.
• Oversees the preparation of ad hoc projects to gather information to complete requests and prepare deliverables.
• Manages the implementation of CPS policies and procedures changes while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with DFPS executive leadership, program areas, and external stakeholders to manage the preparation of studies to identify trends and issues to analyze CPS programs and service delivery.
• Critically assesses the functioning of all levels of CPS staff, including case reviews and productivity of front-line staff, reinforcing good decision-making through policy, best practices, supervision, and data-driven analysis.
• Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the agency are appropriate.
• Performs highly advanced management and oversight activities for CPS that ensures safety, permanency, and wellbeing for the children and youth we serve and aligns with DFPS mission, vision, and goals.
• Assesses and directs the CPS functions to meet necessary and required service levels.
• Identifies interdependencies between projects as well as existing policy and processes to promote CPS programs and services delivery.
• Provides information, advice, and counsel to the executive director and other executives and management in the planning, development, and operation of agency services; and keeps the executive director informed on the status and progress of operations in major departments or divisions and/or across the agency.
• Informs the Commissioner and DFPS executive leadership on the status and progress of CPS programs and recommends methods for effective and efficient utilization of resources.
• Notifies the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and DFPS executive leadership on the status and issues impacting CPS programs and makes recommendations to resolve issues and concerns.
• Advises and counsels the Commissioner on the planning, development and operations of the CPS programs and service delivery.
• Provides strategic direction and approves operational and staff resources for departments and/or divisions.
• Provides strategic direction to DFPS executive leadership and approves the allocations of resources that reflects compliance with state and federal requirements and meets the mission, vision, and goals of the agency.
• Provides information and advice to state agencies and the general public regarding agency activities and responsibilities.
• Communicates strategic direction and vision for all CPS programs effectively with internal and external stakeholders including DFPS executive leadership team, CPS program staff and managers, lawmakers, courts, and advocacy groups.
• Reports on and communicates with internal and external entities on the CPS functions and programs, and matters affecting CPS programs, clients, and daily operations.
• Advises a variety of stakeholders and audiences of pertinent and essential information related to CPS programs and service delivery.
• Participates in the planning of strategic initiatives and development of policies; and manages and/or oversees projects and special initiatives.
• Manages and coordinates strategic initiatives for the department, including research, analysis, project management, decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and communications.
• Develops and recommends procedures, strategic initiatives, and development of policies for effective utilization of resources and services provided by the agency.
• Participates in activities related to the legislative process including conferring with the executive director to determine policy and legislative priorities; and oversees the implementation of legislative changes.
• Oversees and reviews the impact of proposed federal and state legislation on the CPS policies and procedures, relating to program operations, and implementation of resources.
• Coordinates with Government Relations, Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and DFPS executive leadership, in coordination with other program areas, as needed, regarding the implementation of legislative changes that has impact to CPS programs and service delivery.
• Represents the agency at meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons; and may provide testimony before legislative committees.
• Represents CPS in working with elected officials, including the Office of the Governor and members of the Texas Legislature and other state agencies by providing subject matter expertise on CPS programs and service delivery.
• Is an active and cooperative partner with national, state, and community stakeholders including, but not limited to federal, state, and local entities; child and family advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, health care and other service providers, children, youth, and families
• Makes presentations and provides information and frequent testimony to legislative offices or committees, and other public presentations.
• Prepares and presents testimony before the legislature.
• Reviews and analyzes agency operations to evaluate the performance of the agency and to identify areas of potential program modifications and improvements.
• Identifies and strengthens areas needing improvement through innovative initiatives to improve child welfare in Texas.
• Coordinates service delivery issues within DFPS and external stakeholder that ensures safety, permanency, and wellbeing for the children and youth we serve.
• Reviews and manages the division's priorities, working within available resources and building the business case for all activities of the agency, including the development of the strategic plan and any requests for funding from the Texas Legislature.
• Ensures that the agency adheres to agency goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Plans, implements, and administers diverse programs within CPS to meet agency’s mission and objectives.
• Oversees the development of goals and objectives within the CPS divisions to enhance programs and service delivery.
• Analyzes federal and state regulations and legislation, and program data on a regular basis to determine appropriate operational or administrative direction program compliance with agency goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Ensures that resources are acquired appropriately and implemented effectively in compliance with regulations and agency policies to promote safe and healthy families and to address child abuse and neglect by practicing in a way that ensures safety, permanency, and wellbeing for the children and youth we serve.
• Works with DFPS executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish CPS goals and objectives.
• May assist in identifying and managing strategic risks.
• Collaborates with Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, DFPS executive leadership and external stakeholders to identify, assess and manage strategic risks that have significant impact on child welfare in Texas.
• May confer with board members, organization officials, and staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, and resolve problems.
• Represents DFPS on various boards, task forces, and committees to gather input, discuss CPS issues and trends, integrate positive outcomes and develop resolutions to improve child welfare in Texas.
• May act as executive director in the absence of the executive director.
• Acts as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner in their absence, as needed.
• Supervises the work of others, including staff at the executive level and/or management level.
• Performs managerial functions for CPS senior management, including hiring, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions.
• Responsible for all aspects of staff development, including the division's use of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisals.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees