APS Assoc Comm Dir IV

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.

Functional Title: APS Assoc Comm Dir IV 
Job Title: APS Assoc Comm Dir IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: APS Associate Commissioner 
Posting Number: 7543 
Closing Date: 08/11/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29 
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $14,356.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: No direct military equivalent. 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Deputy Associate Commissioner performs highly advanced (senior level)

managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning.   In collaboration with the Associate Commissioner, oversees the coordination, oversight and supervision of the major program functions. 

Represents the division in a leadership capacity on complex issues that cross divisions, programs and agencies and oversees collection, organization, analysis and preparation of budgets, reports, and studies, including management, productivity and financial reports.

Works with the Associate Commissioner to establish standards and measurement tools for measuring progress of the division’s goals and objectives.  Works to coordinate and evaluate business functions and reports on program activities and establishes strategic plan goals, objectives and priorities.  Serves as a policy consultant to the Associate Commissioner and DFPS executive management on program issues. Leads cross-functional teams and workgroups. Provides project management of critical division projects. Reports to the Associate Commissioner for the program and works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department(s) or division(s).

• Manages, coordinates, and oversees major activities through supervision of the Program Strategy Division and other programs.
• Advises Associate Commissioner regarding strategic operations, program trends and their impact, and division planning.
• Supports the Associate Commissioner vision by planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.

• Represents the Division in a leadership capacity on complex financial issues that cross agencies, divisions, and programs.
• Represents the program at Legislative hearings and meetings. Represents the Associate Commissioner at external meetings and serves on external committees, task forces, and interagency workgroups. 

Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities.

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the division.
• Evaluates division operations and makes recommendations to develop and implement process improvements.
• Serves as a member of the Division leadership team.

Develops and oversees the implementation of long-range and short-term plans. Develops, establishes, and implements goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan; and develops standards for achieving those goals.

• Coordinates with external relations on stakeholder involvement on program issues.
• Oversees project management on key projects and leadership of division wide workgroups.
• Establishes goals and objectives and ensures effective facilitation of work teams.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and identifies need for changes. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines, and monitors compliance.

• Accountable that deliverables are accurate, complete and deadlines are met.
• Coordinates the implementation of legislation and agency-wide projects. 

Oversees and/or prepares department budget and reviews and approves major expenditures; ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.  Develops, reviews, and approves budgets; and ensures the effective and efficient use of resources.

• Interacts weekly with Finance regarding program budget management related to state and federal funding.

Performs related work as assigned to conduct business operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and business functions.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Skill in strategic planning and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking and analysis.
• Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities.
• Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to compose well-written documents, including letters and position papers.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.
• Experience in establishing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Ability to use data to inform decision-making and drive operational improvements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Minimum of four (4) years of management experience in Adult Protective Services.

Experience responding to legislative, media, or public inquiries.

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.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

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.