Heightened Monitoring RCC Program Specialist

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 reports directly to the Heightened Monitoring (HM) Division Manager within DFPS, Heightened Monitoring. This position requires highly skilled organization, coordination, project planning and monitoring. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) contract risk management and oversight work. This position will coordinate with CPS Program, CPS Investigations, HHSC licensing and other divisions to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues and track data related to contractor performance. 

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

•         Leads by planning and prioritizes the Heightened Monitoring (HM) contracting and Facility Intervention Team Staffings (FITS) for assigned Residential Contract Operations. 

•         Develops and implements Heightened Monitoring Plans to oversee the delivery of operational services and ensure compliance by conducting research of the five-year data analysis to complete program assessments and ongoing compliance reviews. 

•         Provides technical assistance related to programmatic needs, training to support operational practice gaps to enhance and reinforce internal and external stakeholder policy development, ongoing program assessment, and administrative functions facilitation of internal and external meetings. 

•         Monitors Residential Contract Operation progress, tracks key metrics, and reports on contractor compliance. 

•         Identifies and addresses Residential Contract Operation efficiencies or inefficiencies to improve service effectiveness.

•         Coordinates and facilitates the collection of information submitted by Residential Operations and assigned Heightened Monitoring Contracts Division staff to ensure timely and accurate completion of required tasks in alignment with policies and procedures. 

•         Oversees the organization of compliance reports from Residential Providers and Heightened Monitoring stakeholders to complete analysis of these materials, in response to HM, FCL, HHSC, and CPS program information requests and reporting requirements. 

•         Ensures compliance with established DFPS, HHSC and SSCC standards, monitors progress, and provides necessary guidance to improve operational efficiency through detailed compliance reports on a regular frequency. 

•         Completes and monitors required Residential Contracts Operation administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects to ensure accuracy and compliance. 

•         Analyzes findings of Residential Contract Providers and provides data-driven recommendations to enhance program effectiveness. 

•         Identifies Residential Contract Providers operational improvements through provider reports provided to internal and external stakeholders providing recommendations of adjustments to optimize policy implementation and service delivery on a regular frequency.

•         Monitors and enforces compliance with program policies, procedures, statutes, and regulations to maintain operational integrity in relation to DFPS Policy and remedial order 20 (part of the FCL litigation). 

•         Identifies and addresses deficiencies, implementing corrective actions as needed to uphold program and agency standards. 

•         Interprets and advises on DFPS 24hr Contract Requirements, HM Contract Program Requirements, DFPS program policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards to ensure clarity and compliance. 

•         Provides high-level counsel to stakeholders, offering strategic guidance on policy implementation and operational effectiveness. 

•         Conducts and oversees studies and analyses of Residential Operations to identify challenges and areas for improvement. 

•         Prepares reports summarizing findings and recommendations, providing actionable insights to enhance efficiency and compliance. 

•         Analyzes legislation related to FCL especially remedial order 20 to assess its impact on Heightened Monitoring Contract Division program implementation, funding, and policy development. 

•         Develops recommendations for policy adjustments, program improvements, and funding modifications based on legislative changes. 

•         Engages with community and professional groups to foster collaboration, promote Heightened Monitoring program initiatives, and build stakeholder support. 

•         Coordinates outreach efforts to enhance visibility, improve Heightened Monitoring Contract Division program effectiveness, and secure ongoing participation and advocacy.

•         Collaborates with public and private agencies to address challenges, enhance program efficiency, and ensure alignment with Heightened Monitoring Division objectives. 

•         Identifies training needs and recommends professional development initiatives to strengthen Heightened Monitoring Division program delivery. 

•         Facilitates discussions with stakeholders on Heightened Monitoring Contracts Division program effectiveness, gathering insights to drive continuous improvement and strategic enhancements and provides Heightened Monitoring contracts training to DFPS staff as needed.

•         Preparation and assess program budget requests ensuring resource allocation aligns with programmatic and service effectiveness.

•         Present budget findings and funding requirements to Heightened Monitoring leadership advocating for program sustainability and improvements.

•         Collaborates with Heightened Monitoring Contract leadership to design evaluation tools and processes that measure the effectiveness of contractor oversight and identify patterns in performance or compliance gaps across regions.

•         Analyzes performance data and investigation outcomes to identify systemic issues in contracted placements and recommends the development of new monitoring strategies or escalation protocols to address emerging risks.

•         Advises CPS and PCS staff on implementing revised monitoring procedures by developing written guidance, facilitating meetings, and providing follow-up support to ensure consistent integration of changes.

•         Supports Heightened Monitoring Division management in developing and implementing evaluation techniques to assess agency program effectiveness. 

•         Identifies the need for new programs based on data-driven insights and organizational objectives. 

•         Provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of innovative methods and procedures to enhance residential operational efficiency. 

•         Serve as the lead for the implementation and continuous management of complex program initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals.

•         Develop, refine, and execute program frameworks, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.

•         Develop, implement, and oversee risk management and compliance initiatives to ensure Residential Operation organizational adherence to Heightened Monitoring Division requirements and standards.

•         Identify potential compliance risks, conduct assessments, and recommend mitigation strategies to Heightened Monitoring Division leadership.

•         Collaborate with DFPS and HHSC cross-functional teams to integrate compliance measures into operational workflows and strategic planning.

•         Monitor regulatory changes and update risk and compliance frameworks, accordingly, maintaining proactive alignment with evolving guidelines.

•         Provide structured communication, training, and reporting on compliance expectations and risk mitigation strategies for external/internal stakeholders and team members.

•         Provide clear guidance and support to team members, delegating tasks effectively while ensuring high standards of work performance.

•         Monitor project progress, assess workflow efficiency, and implement necessary adjustments to enhance productivity.

•         Serve as a mentor to team members providing skill building opportunities and ensure adherence to best practices of DFPS organizational policy.

•         Addresses day-to-day workflow challenges by providing strategic solutions and serving as a liaison with management on behalf of the team when needed.

•         As a lead worker, ensures team compliance with organizational policies during daily interactions with internal and external stakeholders, document key events and maintains accurate records to support reporting, transparency, and accountability.

•         As a lead worker, facilitates and leads cross-functional collaboration to ensure effective communication, goal alignment, and coordinated execution.

•         Responds to time-sensitive data or reporting requests from executive leadership, compiling accurate information and context to support critical decision-making on provider oversight.

•         Participates in urgent cross-divisional coordination meetings or special initiatives involving contractor performance, contributing expertise and follow-up support as needed.

•         Supports documentation clean-up, template development, or system updates during transition periods or process improvements to maintain consistency and operational integrity

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area; public administration and management techniques; statistical analysis processes; budget processes; research techniques; training and marketing techniques; and program management processes and techniques.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

•         Performs project management of complex initiatives through developing multifaceted implementation plans, setting goals and/or deliverables and overseeing implementation of the project plan.

•         Knowledge of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policies and procedures in developing, maintaining and evaluating 24-hour residential child-care contracts.

•         Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to contracting and procurement • Skill in identifying measures of indicators of residential contract performance

•         Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software such as IMPACT, IMPACT 2.0, CLASS, SCOR, CAPPS 2.0, SharePoint.

•         Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to market programs; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively; and to serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.

•         Ability to organize and manage ones time and meet deadlines.

•         Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.

•         Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

•         Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly relay that information to others in a thorough, concise manner

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must obtain certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) within 12-18 months from the date of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience in Contracts or CPS preferred. Project Management experience and experience in developing quality improvement plans preferred.

Additional Information:

This position is classified as full time in office, with a current exception for telework. This exception is subject to change.  

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.