CPS Permanency Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

2d • $6,378 - $10,786 • Onsite

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.

This is an advanced (senior-level) managerial role providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning for CPS Permanency programs. The work involves establishing strategic plans, goals, and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; setting priorities, standards, and measurement tools; coordinating and evaluating program activities; and reviewing and approving budgets. The position supervises staff and operates under minimal supervision with significant latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• 5 years experience in the management and direction of a program relevant to the assignment.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.
• 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 program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking/analysis.
• Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking, Strong verbal and written communication skills; and keen ability to develop technical recommendations and presentations tailored for audiences, including leadership, decision makers, cross-functional teams.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups; negotiating and working with diverse groups and varied management styles, as well as developing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and management.
• Ability to compose well-written documents, including letters and position papers.
• Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce result.
• Skill in directing and managing high performing program teams.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information and model ethical behavior.
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple tasks, mid- and large-scale projects and priorities concurrently.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and provide full transparency into all aspects of ongoing work assignments.
• Knowledge of child welfare principles, CPS permanency practice, placement stability, and permanency planning.
• Knowledge of court processes, judicial requirements, and legal timelines impacting CPS permanency outcomes.
• Knowledge of program and project management principles within a public sector or child welfare environment.
• Knowledge of budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation within a state agency.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and court orders affecting CPS permanency services, including federal oversight requirements.
• Knowledge of organizational performance management, outcome measurement, and data driven decision making.
• Knowledge of DFPS policies, procedures, and governance structures, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
• Skill in executive level program management, including planning, prioritization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Skill in strategic planning, systems analysis, and problem solving in complex, high risk environments.
• Skill in budget planning, analysis, and monitoring, including coordination with finance staff.
• Skill in independent judgment and decision making with significant operational, legal, and permanency implications.
• Skill in leading and facilitating meetings and presenting complex information to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Skill in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including courts, legal partners, providers, advocacy organizations, and internal DFPS divisions.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and initiatives across large program areas.
• Skill in preparing executive level reports, briefings, and formal written communications.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
• Ability to provide executive leadership, supervise senior management staff, and influence organizational performance.
• Ability to analyze complex operational, legal, fiscal, and performance data and develop effective strategies.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and track permanency performance measures and outcomes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with executive leadership, courts, stakeholders, and staff at all levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve permanency goals.
• Ability to plan, direct, and oversee large scale CPS permanency programs, establish goals and objectives, and ensure follow-through.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising discretion, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, legislative mandates, and legal requirements in a demanding public service environment.
• 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 .

Nice To Haves

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive-level oversight of CPS Permanency programs, including placement stability, court compliance, and timely permanency outcomes for children in conservatorship.
• Directly supervises CPS staff and provides strategic guidance to ensure alignment with agency goals and legal requirements.
• Establishes program priorities, monitors performance, and provides technical assistance to regional and state office leadership.
• Ensures consistent permanency practice across regions and programs.
• Directs the operations of the Permanency division and oversees collaboration with the State Office division.
• Directs corrective action plans to address systemic barriers impacting permanency outcomes.
• Collaborates with regional leadership and legal partners to resolve performance and compliance issues.
• Evaluates permanency program effectiveness to ensure appropriate use of resources and adherence to best practices.
• Analyzes statewide data on placement availability, utilization of services, trends, and service gaps, assesses opportunities for improvement, and makes plans to address issues and barriers.
• Continuously evaluates and manages policy and practice needs, revisions, updates, changes, and implementation for the CPS Placement Division and Permanency Division.
• Advocates for compliance and risk mitigation during program planning as it pertains to policy, practices in the field, implementation, and/or change management for existing systems.
• Establishes short- and long-term permanency goals aligned with DFPS strategic priorities.
• Ensures decision-making supports child safety, stability, and legally sound permanency outcomes.
• Leads senior staff in identifying barriers to permanency and developing solution-focused strategies.
• Promotes accountability and continuous improvement across permanency operations.
• Oversees development and monitoring of budgets impacting CPS Permanency programs.
• Reviews expenditures and coordinates with DFPS Finance to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensures permanency resources and contracted services are justified, effective, and aligned with program goals.
• Assesses financial impacts of legislative or policy changes affecting permanency services.
• Oversees development and revision of CPS permanency policies and procedural guidance.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal statutes, court orders, and oversight requirements.
• Monitors policy implementation and directs quality assurance and corrective actions.
• Ensures permanency practices align with agency standards and legal mandates.
• Directs planning and implementation of permanency initiatives, projects, and system improvements.
• Establishes performance standards and evaluates progress toward achieving permanency goals.
• Coordinates cross-divisional efforts to ensure permanency initiatives are implemented effectively.
• Facilitates internal and external workgroups to support permanency operations.
• Represents CPS Permanency programs in meetings with courts, legal partners, community organizations, and other agencies.
• Participates in legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, and child welfare forums as appropriate.
• Provides subject matter expertise regarding permanency practice and program performance.
• Engages external partners to support improved permanency outcomes.
• Reviews statewide permanency performance and productivity reports to assess outcomes.
• Uses data to guide decision-making and direct program improvements.
• Coordinates with Data and Analytics and Finance staff to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Monitors utilization of placements and permanency services.
• Reviews internal audits, program reviews, and compliance findings related to permanency.
• Ensures recommendations are implemented and monitored.
• Evaluates risks and directs system-level responses to prevent recurrence of issues.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and develops CPS Management Analyst staff.
• Establishes expectations, performance goals, and accountability standards.
• Conducts performance evaluations and manages employee relations matters.
• Promotes leadership development and workforce stability.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
• 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager