CPI Program Director

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 to the Regional Program Administrator (PA) and performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services, technical assistance, and supervisory work. The position is responsible for the overall
program service delivery of Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Supervisors, caseworkers, human services technicians, and administrative assistants within the unit. Work involves coordinating, assigning, and providing consultative oversight to assigned CPI units. The Program Director (PD) assists the program in providing training, insight, and case guidance to staff regarding complex investigations. Provides operational oversight to CPI units, including the management of case analysis, travel, time and leave, case assignment, conferences, personnel, positive performance, and educational reference for regional management. Analyzes and responds to short-term or emergency requests requiring expedited response. Work includes active participation, training and liaison activities within the community, overall CPI delivery of services, provides subject matter expertise regarding Investigations (INV)/Alternative Response (AR) program, and ensures policies and procedures are in compliance
within the program area. Develops programmatic monitoring tools and performance measures to ensure accountability and quality of service delivery. Represents the program at meetings, conferences, workgroups,
hearings, and other events. The position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff, other agencies in the community, community boards, judges, schools, law enforcement, and the
general public The PD works under minimal supervsion, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other
duties as assigned.

Oversees and directs case actions related to safety, risk, and permanency on a daily basis. Ensures timely contact is made on all cases and that supervisors are continually assessing child safety throughout the investigation. Evaluates CPS cases at specific decision points during active case management to provide subject matter expertise and technical guidance to CPI caseworkers and supervisors. Serves as a CPI program subject matter expert in the field, and offers guidance, consultation and technical assistance to their program area staff and internal and external stakeholders to foster effective program service delivery. Reviews and analyzes high risk, complex, sensitive, and high-profile investigations to assess child safety issues. Conducts next-level approval of high-risk cases subsequent to supervisory and Child Safety Specialist review to ensure child safety factors are addressed. Reviews and approves all cases staffed for Family Based Safety Services (FBSS), legal, high-risk cases not eligible for services, Parental Child Safety Placements (PCSP), 3 in 30 reports, Office of Consumer Relation inquiries, and completes monthly quality assurance reads on cases. Reviews and approves all Administrative Closure (Admin) and Priority None (PN) cases. (25%)

Evaluates performance of service delivery and program areas to ensure effective and efficient program operations. Ensures program area has all time and leave entered into the Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System (CAPPS) to provide oversight, regulation, and management of all overtime accumulated by staff. The PD conducts monthly meetings with CPI supervisors to provide training or technical assistance in a program area such as important communications pertaining to policies and procedures, address trends and patterns, discuss CPI updates, support team building opportunities, and ensure performance standards are met. Develops and implements appropriate strategic plans for improving program operations. Identifies program, policy, knowledge and procedural gaps and inconsistencies, assesses the need for new training development for program and agency staff, and provides guidance to agency and program leadership in the development, coordination and deployment of agency training materials and activities. Prepares management reports, analyses, and correspondence on the effectiveness of program activities. (25%)

Selects, manages and develops staff through review of performance data, conferences, training and performance appraisal. Interprets program policies and procedures to program staff, other CPI staff, and the general public. Analyzes and responds to short-term or emergency requests requiring expedited response. Manages the completion of required administrative, informational and performance reports and analyses for the CPI strategy and process function. Manages the development and preparation of presentations, reports, information, communications, correspondence and responses to requests for information; ensuring quality, consistency, technical, and program accuracy and timeliness. Ensures communications, responses and reports are completed and issued within required timeframes. Provides program area subject matter expertise, guidance, consultation and technical assistance to agency staff and internal and external stakeholders to shape effective INV/AR service delivery. Promotes growth and development of management and direct delivery staff. (20%)

Consults, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with regional and state office management, regional field staff, CPS/CPI state office program and policy staff, external public and private stakeholders, consumers of child protective services, volunteers, advocates, judges, other social service providers, educational, juvenile justice, workforce development boards and organizations to provide guidance, technical assistance and program subject matter expertise. Maintains communication with the PA and other DFPS staff to provide pertinent information for responding to regional issues and developments. Represents the program at meetings, conferences, workgroups, hearings and other events. Works with Community Partners to develops and implements plans and strategies to improve investigations casework functions and processes and promote program efficiencies and service delivery within the region. (20%)

Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Promotes, monitors and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. (10%)

Total Time Spent: 100%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the Child Protective Investigations (CPI) program.

• Knowledge of contracted and community providers and services provided to children and families involved with

Child Protective Services.

• Knowledge of Child Protective Services programs, policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of federal and state law regarding Child Protective Services.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all

levels.

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

• Skill in negotiation and problem resolution.

• Skill in leading others and facilitating group meetings.

• Skill in leading projects, managing work processes, producing deliverables and determining outcomes.

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

• Skill in program planning, development and implementation.

• Ability to represent Child Protective Investigations and the agency effectively with key stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate and analyze data and facts.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, develop staff and oversee the work of others.

• Ability to approach problems critically and analytically.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.

• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.

• Ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.

• Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, early childhood education, criminal justice, elementary or secondary education, or a related field

AND CPI Supervisor II (through the certification process) for at least one (1) year

OR four (4) years full-time supervisory or managerial experience in a social service or similar field which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect; interpretation of complex written material; planning, organizing, overseeing investigations, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved including interpretation and implementation of policy and procedure. (This does not include a CPI Supervisor who has the tenure to be eligible for certification but has not obtained it unless they are able to provide documentation showing that they have also met the training requirements for certification.)

Additional Information:

This position can be housed in Gilmer, Marshall, Paris, or Texarkana. 

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.