Director I

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

1d • $6,378 - $10,786 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director I performs highly advanced, executive-level consultative and technical assistance work for Child Protective Investigations (CPI). The position plans, develops, coordinates, and implements major agency programs and initiatives, provides technical assistance to program staff and external stakeholders, and may lead and direct others. It works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The role plans and prioritizes technical, training, research, planning, policy, program-assessment, and administrative activities; oversees service delivery; supports policy and legislative updates; and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency. It coordinates across DFPS divisions, advises on compliance with agency guidance and legislative mandates, analyzes legislation and performance data, prepares reports and recommendations, and supports executive decision-making. The position also works with public and private partners, represents CPI in meetings and other forums, and contributes to program budgeting, policy development, risk and compliance activities, and statewide initiatives.

The position may be housed in any main regional hub office. It is not eligible for telework, is based on a day shift, and requires travel of up to 25% ordinarily and 75% during legislative session. Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience with DFPS, including at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of DFPS structure, CPI programs, policies, procedures, practice standards, and cross-divisional operations.
• Strong understanding of Texas child welfare laws, including the Family Code, Human Resources Code, and Administrative Code, and related regulations.
• Familiarity with the Texas legislative process, including bill development, hearings, fiscal notes, and implementation.
• Understanding of rulemaking, legislative oversight, reporting requirements, and appropriations processes.
• Ability to analyze policy and assess legislative impact.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management.
• Familiarity with project-management and implementation strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and continuous quality improvement.
• Ability to lead and develop teams in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments; manage competing priorities; and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive briefings, legislative testimony, reports, and policy recommendations and present complex information clearly.
• Ability to evaluate legislation for operational, fiscal, legal, and policy impacts; conduct complex research and data analysis; identify trends; and assess risks and mitigation strategies.
• Ability to develop and execute legislative and policy strategies, align initiatives with agency priorities and child-safety outcomes, and manage statewide initiatives.
• Ability to lead CPI statewide legislative initiatives, set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple high-profile projects.
• Ability to advise executive leadership and represent the agency in hearings and public forums; build relationships; navigate sensitive political issues; negotiate and resolve conflicts; and balance child-safety, operational, statutory, and fiscal considerations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in high-visibility situations.
• Must comply with agency cybersecurity and communications-system usage policies and complete related training.
• Staff must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 accessibility standards for electronic information resources.

Responsibilities

• Advise and consult with DFPS staff to ensure policies, procedures, and processes align with DFPS guidance and legislative mandates.
• Coordinate with DFPS divisions and agency offices on CPI operations, policy, legislative matters, and program initiatives.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives.
• Assist with administration and coordination of policy updates, Title IV state-plan development and implementation, and Legislative Budget Bureau variance-report analysis.
• Manage policy and legislative updates; monitor progress toward performance outcomes and escalate issues to senior CPI management when needed.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and prepare materials in response to program-information and reporting requests.
• Track, collect, and analyze monthly and quarterly performance data; complete and monitor administrative and performance reports, studies, and special projects; recommend program changes.
• Implement initiatives and projects with internal and external partners when needed, and facilitate planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies supporting CPI priorities.
• Provide timely technical assistance and troubleshooting to internal and external representatives; consult program specialists and field staff on policy and practice implementation.
• Ensure compliance with program policies, procedures, statutes, and rules, and take corrective action as needed.
• Review and coordinate CPI policy and practice updates, collaborate on new policy development, and follow up with the Office of the General Counsel regarding legal compliance.
• Develop and implement methods to evaluate agency programs, identify needs for new or revised programs, and guide staff in developing and integrating methods and procedures.
• Work on cross-agency projects related to CPI policy and practice as assigned by the Director of Field.
• Use software, including Excel, to track and monitor assigned tasks.
• Conduct or oversee operational studies and analyses and prepare findings and recommendations.
• Review external data provided to the public for accuracy and compliance, and initiate internal data reviews for compliance and clarity under current policy and law.
• Analyze legislation and recommend policy responses; review legislative changes and bills for impacts on CPI and the agency; draft legislative responses and coordinate legislative documents, correspondence, white papers, bill analyses, and memoranda for executive review.
• Speak to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and promote program interest and support.
• Draft and coordinate CPI policy and practice communications, including external-partner responses, public presentations, correspondence, and memoranda; represent CPI at meetings and conferences and brief leadership as directed.
• Consult with public and private agencies to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.
• Coordinate CPI activities with external partners, including forensic assessment and child advocacy organizations, HHSC agencies, the Children’s Commission, federal and state partners, and county and local agencies.
• Prepare and evaluate program budget requests and review assigned legislative bills for fiscal impact to DFPS and CPI.
• Assist management with program policies, procedures, standards, manuals, and activity planning in line with program objectives.
• Coordinate with internal divisions and agency staff to review and develop policy and practice and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Coordinate and implement risk and compliance activities when needed.
• Review and guide CPI program specialists on policy development, legislative analysis, and project tasks; may provide direction to others.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid coverage for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans that provide lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, with optional 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent-care expenses.
• Employee discounts, including gym, electronics, and entertainment discounts.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed