CPS Program Administrator

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

This position works under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and manages Program Director level staff and activities related to Child Protective Services (CPS). The position develops, manages and evaluates program services, guidelines, procedures, policies, activities and budget information. The position works with communities, elected officials, administrative staff in other agencies providing services to abused and neglected children and their families, judicial, legal, and law enforcement personnel, medical and treatment professionals, fiscal, human resources, business management, audit division and government relations. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff including State Office CPS division, regional management team, regional and local child welfare boards and other stakeholders.

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work administering the daily operations and activities of an agency’s business function, division, or department. 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; developing and evaluating budget requests; and monitoring budget expenditures. Supervises the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Manages day-to-day activities of staff within a large and/or highly complex business function(s), division(s), or department(s).

• Manages the work that directly impacts all areas within the CPS program including staff development and training and is routinely involved in decision making involving program directors, supervisors and front-line staff.
• Develops, manages, and evaluates program services, guidelines, procedures, policies, activities and budgets.
• Represents the agency and delivers presentations on regional program, policies and practices to local and community groups/stakeholders, law enforcement, legal and judicial, elected officials and other organizations.

Oversees the allocation of resources to achieve timely outcomes and measurable goals; and monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of staffing levels.

• Oversees and/or develops quality improvement strategies to improve regional performance with agency performance standards and monitors turnover and retention efforts.
• Evaluates performance of service delivery and program areas to ensure effective and efficient program operations.
• Develops and implements appropriate strategic plans for improving program operations

Oversees the implementation of changes resulting from new legislation.

• Oversees and contributes to the regional development, review and revision of legislation related to CPS. 
• Ensures new and/or revised policies and procedures are promulgated throughout the region and program initiatives mandated by the agency are implemented and properly evaluated.
• Oversees and/or serves on internal and external workgroups/committees for the development of plans to implement the agency's mission, laws, rules, and regulations.

Oversees special investigations, research studies, special projects, internal audits, and the implementation of special initiatives.

• Provides overall direction and guidance to field staff to promote efficient and effective delivery of services to children at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Establishes goals and objectives; develops and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and manages evaluation activities.

• Establishes goals and objectives, interprets and evaluates policy, procedures and initiatives that have been implemented in order to meet goals and metrics identified
• Provides leadership and utilizes appropriate management skills, abilities, and resources in the development and implementation of the agency's goals and objectives for the quality delivery of required program activities and services.

Monitors compliance with policies and procedures; and provides input or approves new policies and procedures.

• Researches, analyzes, and monitors regional performance data and reports to evaluate policies, procedures and staff compliance
• Manages and develops staff in assigned program area in compliance with the law, administrative policies, and procedures through the review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal.

Prepares management and productivity reports; and reviews and approves documents and reports developed by employees to ensure professional quality and appearance, appropriate content, consistency, and responsiveness.

• Prepares communications, responses and reports and ensures they are completed and issued within required timeframes.
• Provides input and coordinates with the Department’s Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) on the development and implementation of data report systems to evaluate program performance standards and activities
• Identifies and interprets trends and patterns through extensive data analysis and communicate it to program directors and field staff for staff development and/or process implementation.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating business function, division, or department activities.

• Directs the development and deployment of analyses, audits and other program studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of program policies, processes and client service activities in the regions through case reads and data reports.
• Identifies areas for improvement in program policies and performance, researches and recommends innovative techniques and solutions to achieve efficiencies and consistency throughout regional areas, and monitors progress and develops reports of project status
• Develops plans to implement the agency’s mission, laws, rules, and regulations within the region.
• Develops operating guidelines and implementations procedures in the region in accordance with program and agency policy.

Plans and develops a budget, evaluates budget requests, monitors budget expenditures, and makes adjustments as necessary.

• Oversees, provides input, and helps develop the regional budget to ensure that expenditures are in line with budget allowance and that the region remains within the operating budget.
• Reviews for approval expenditures in the division for affordability, fiscal responsibility, and correct funding source.

Reviews and evaluates the impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives.

• Provides oversight, guidance, and monitoring to ensure continuous program process improvements, development and implementation of long- and short-term program goals, guidelines, policies and procedures, and ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, guidelines and policies.
• Provides technical assistance regarding the review and evaluation of state and federal laws, regulations, policies and trends affecting the program and advises program management, staff and caseworkers.
• Reviews and evaluates case actions and documentation to ensure compliance with federal, state and local legislatively mandated standards and meet program, region and agency goals and objectives.

Identifies areas of needed change and makes recommendations to improve operations.

• Identifies systemic issues, knowledge and process gaps and deficiencies, and oversees the development and implementation of changes and improvements. 

May manage multiple business functions and provide oversight to associated staff.

• Manages and develops staff in assigned program area in compliance with the law, administrative policies, and procedures through the review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal.
• Directs and develops program directors and is responsible for designing local procedures, policies and practice standards to enhance service delivery.
• Responsible for developing the leadership team for succession planning, working collaboratively with other stages of service and with community partners.

Supervises the work of others.

• Hires, manages, and provides guidance and professional development for CPS state office management and staff.
• Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction and information on responsibilities and work performance expectations. 
• Develops work performance plans, creates and maintains position descriptions for direct reports and conducts performance evaluations at least annually. 
• Oversees the development and advancement of field staff through training and effective use of employee development plans.
• Manages employee time and leave responsibilities, and carries out other related human resources activities with program staff. 
• Provides leadership to employees using a performance management strategy and development process to provide an overall context and framework to encourage employee contribution, and includes goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning. Leads employees to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information at trainings, conferences, and legislative hearings.

Skill at establishing and maintaining working relationships both internally and externally.

Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

Under direction and authority of the Division Administrator has ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities of overseeing the program functions.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to a business function, division, or department; and 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.

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Five (5) years full-time consultative, managerial, social services, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material.

Acceptable Substitutions:

Graduate degree may be substituted for the required experience, with a maximum substitution of two years. Licensed Master's degree in Social Work or related health and human services degree. 

Must have a minimum of 5 years of supervision experience in child welfare.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

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 .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.