Manager I- Background Checks

Department of Public Safety • Austin, TX

45d • Remote

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 role 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
• Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US.
• Familiarity with 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working within DFPS
• Experience as a supervisor, manager or program/team lead
• Experience in developing policies, procedures, requirements, and training for program operations.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

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
• Options to save even more with 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: Mid Level