CPS Management Analyst 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.

Brief Job Description:

The CPS Management Analyst position reports to the CPS Associate Commissioner and supports the CPS Director of Field, and Director of Conservatorship Services.

These services include addressing operations, practice, reporting and planning of

CPS program needs involving Information Technology, Foster Care Litigations, Tracking, and Safety and Placement Reporting. This position supports facilitating needs for CPS Program related to Foster Care Litigation consultation, reporting, tracking, documenting, and responding across all CPS Divisions.

Acts as a primary liaison to internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration efforts related to CPS Program Needs. Represents program in meetings with internal and external departments and on committees as needed. Develops and contributes to the preparation of accurate, quality, and timely documents and work products. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position will assist the CPS Associate Commissioner and CPS State Office leadership in division planning, development, and operations, assigned projects and special initiatives, creating and routing correspondence and reports, and other duties as assigned.

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) professional organizational and policy analysis and oversight work, involving conducting organizational studies and evaluations, analyzing systems and procedures, conducting work simplification studies, and preparing operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may lead and conduct highly complex studies and work on large scale change initiatives.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Collects and analyzes data in areas such as workload, operational, business, and managerial practices; staff utilization; organizational structure and development; and space utilization.

•  Tracks, collects, and analyzes performance data and information provided by Data and Analytics with varying frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly)
• Collects, organizes, analyzes and/or prepares materials in response to requests for program information and reports

Monitors and reviews current organizational, procedural, and operational systems for effectiveness, efficiency, and conformance to established guidelines.

•  Works closely with DFPS divisions including Child Protective Investigations, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Statewide Intake, Office of Finance, Foster Care Litigation Compliance, Accountability and Consumer Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, Internal Audit, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to manage business function and act as program liaison.

Consults with management to initiate studies; identify priorities; and define study scope, purpose, objectives, time frames, and resource requirements.

•  Coordinates and assists with implementation of Placement program Initiatives for CPS State Office Placement Team, field operations and support throughout the state.

Research historical, current, and projected data to identify problems, causes, and areas for which procedural or system changes are indicated.

•  Initiates reviews of internal data for compliance, clarity, and adherence to current policy and statute.
• Assists with analyzing reports and orders to implementation plans for response and review, and to identify any gaps is practice.

Research new or improved business and management practices for application to agency programs or operations.

•  Analyzes Placement Reports to develop and implement responses and recommendations.

Analyzes new or proposed legislation or regulations to determine their effect on program operations and management.

• Advises and consults with DFPS staff to ensure policies, procedures and processes follow DFPS policy, practice guidelines, and legislative mandates.
• Reviews, provides consultation and guidance on legislative bills that impact CPS.
• Assists with analyzing legislative bills to assess program and fiscal impacts, implementation plans for staff across the state, and works with leadership to improve training for all levels of staff.
• Provides research and data to CPS Directors to assist with responses to legislative and external inquiries.

Analyzes agency functions and activities being considered for conversion to contract operations.

•  Analyzes program functions being considered for conversion to contract operations as needed if agency strategies are changed.

Develops recommendations for improvement and corrective action to standardize or improve organizational systems.

• Plans, develops and prioritizes a multitude of responsibilities involving data analysis, web development, training, research, planning, program assessment and administrative activities with the goal of streamlining operations and processes.

Conducts studies of employee or organizational efficiency and productivity and recommends changes or improvements in organization, staffing, work methods, and procedures.

•  Develops partnerships with other DFPS divisions, field staff, regional leadership, families, advocacy groups, Executive Team Members, professional associations, and the public to constantly improve communication, responsiveness, and continued cross-divisional support.

Prepare comprehensive technical records and reports to present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make and justify recommendations.

•  Evaluates and utilizes findings to inform and improve the planning and implementation of program activities to carry out the mission of the agency more effectively and achieve programmatic goals

Conduct readiness assessments for change initiatives, analyze results, and report findings to management.

•  Escalates issues to senior CPS management as appropriate for decision making and/or resolution.
• Coordinates on behalf of the CPS Director of Placement to division counterparts to monitor and assist with response to placement needs, including regular special project assignments.

Conduct training on new methods and procedures.

•  Leads or participates in assigned committees/work groups.
• Represents CPS program in meetings to act as SME on new methods or procedures.
• Attends conferences and briefs leadership on content and presentation leading to effective training for CPS staff.

Conduct special projects.

•  Manages and/or contributes to the successful implementation of special and routine projects and reports related to legislative initiatives, tracking completion of tasks and activities related to the federal lawsuit, and policy and practice compliance.

Review industry developments and make recommendations for possible agency application.

•  Communicates or presents information to stakeholders upon request.
• Represents CPS in coordinating the interviews and training to staff. 
• Consults with external partners to improve and enhance collaboration and partnerships.
• Consults with internal DFPS divisions and external stakeholders to identify and coordinate meetings and training.

Coordinate, plan, and direct organizational studies and evaluations.

•  Provides consultation and guidance to CPS State Office Leadership to accomplish program objectives in accordance with DFPS policies, procedures, directives, and standards.
• Develops and contributes to the preparation of concise, organized, consistent, and accurate documents and work product.
• Consults with internal agency divisions to ensure CPS program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Develop new or modify existing operational program policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.

•  Reviews data provided to ensure compliance with foster care litigation and practice, working to identify root cause or gaps.

Develop solutions to organizational issues and concerns, develop organizational change strategies and plans, and/or conduct training for implementation of organizational solutions, strategies, and plans.

•  Recommends strategies for effective program management and improvements.

Design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes to forms and reports.

•  Prepares quality written project reports, updates, summaries, and other documents as assigned or as needed.

Advise management on agency studies.

•  Regularly responds to the needs to CPS program in support of tracking, responding to executive leadership needs related to identifying placement needs for youth who are at risk of DFPS supervision.
• Tracks assignments for the Director of Placement, CPS Director of Conservatorship and CPS Director of Field and responds to special assignments and monitors and compiles regional responses to requests for information.

Interpret historical, current, and projected data to identify problems, causes, and areas for which procedural or system changes are indicated.

• Identifies and researches barriers at CPS division level; analyzes trends and works with State Office and Regional Leadership, managers, and staff to resolve problems.

Review and evaluate new or improved business and management practices.

•   Proofs correspondence and reports prepared by or routed through CPS for grammar, punctuation, spelling, content, accuracy, and adherence to DFPS policy and procedures where applicable. Review and evaluate recommendations for improvement and corrective action to standardize or improve organizational systems.
• Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects; and recommends appropriate changes to programs.

Review and evaluate recommendations for improvement and corrective action to standardize or improve organizational systems.

• Proofs correspondence and reports prepared by or routed through CPS for grammar, punctuation, spelling, content, accuracy, and adherence to DFPS policy and procedures where applicable. Review and evaluate recommendations for improvement and corrective action to standardize or improve organizational systems.
• Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects; and recommends appropriate changes to programs.

Review comprehensive technical records and reports that present and interpret data, identify alternatives, and make and justify recommendations.

•  Reviews validity of data, research and thorough analysis.
• Consults directly with directors, managers, and staff to ensure accuracy and quality of work product submitted to CPS leadership and the DFPS Executive Team

Evaluate agency functions and activities being considered for conversion to contract operations.

•  Utilizes software programs to track and monitor the progress of divisional projects and assigns tasks to achieve project completion.
• Develops tracking procedures and prepares reports regarding regional and statewide outcomes for CPS Placement team.
• Oversees the timely preparation of and response to correspondence, inquiries, reports, and other time sensitive items.
• Develops and directs the implementation of studies, assessments, projects, and other tools to evaluate program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Provides guidance to CPS and regional leadership on program actions or issues for any special project. 

Evaluate industry developments and make recommendations for possible agency application.

• Communicates or presents industry standards to provide information to program management for consideration.
• Consults with external partners to review and evaluate possible program improvents for program efficiencies.
• Consults with internal DFPS divisions and external stakeholders to identify and coordinate program improvements based on industry standards.

Facilitate meetings with stakeholders from all areas and levels of the agency to gather necessary information for guidance documents.

• Consolidates and compiles information for input to the Associate Commissioner, Commissioner, Executive Leadership, and other DFPS divisions or teams as required.
• When needed, implements initiatives and projects with internal/external partners that support CPS programs in achieving their goals and objectives.
• Facilitates planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to achieve enhanced compliance through policy/practice development, and coordination with state office and field level staff.
• Routinely provides timely technical assistance and appropriate trouble shooting to internal and external representatives.
• Consults with State Office Leadership, Regional Leadership, program specialists, and field staff related to policy and practice implementation. 
• Consolidates and compiles CPS information for input from the Director of Placement and other DFPS divisions or teams as required.
• Provides subject matter expertise to leadership on the status and progress of Placement Initiatives, Program, and Information Technology activities.
• Coordinates work priorities with leadership and evaluates progress toward established goals.
• Continually keeps leadership apprised of goal attainment.

Works on cross agency projects as assigned by the CPS Director of Placement, CPS Director of Conservatorship and CPS Director of Field.

Oversee, plan, and direct organizational studies of work problems; ensure change initiatives meet objectives.

• Reviews high level documents and reports directing other program specialist, division administrators, and directors in reporting out or implanting qualitative or quantitative data.
• Provides consultation to staff and DFPS leadership on items related to practice and policy.
• Facilitates and serves as a subject matter expert with executive level leadership on subject including but not limited to practice, IMPACT, and Placement needs.
• Montiors the use of exceptional foster care by routinely pulling a sample of cases for which the SSCC has authorized exceptional care and monitor against SSCC’s own Utilization Management Process.

 Help implement change management plans.

• Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.
• Reviews and coordinates all updates to statute or policy related to CPS program operations and support.
• Reviews, monitors, and track inquiries and reports recommendations from numerous sources.
• Works with DFPS divisions to properly develop and implement new policy and practice, including FCL initiatives.

May serve as a team lead or supervisor.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of: 

organizational development and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures; methods and procedures analysis techniques; work simplification methods; forms and records design and control procedures; and statistical analysis.

Skill in:

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

Ability to:

• analyze or evaluate problems; to develop, recommend, or present alternative solutions; to conduct or coordinate studies; to develop, interpret, or implement policies and procedures; to design programs or training; to prepare concise reports; and to communicate effectively.
• 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.
• to oversee and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

Five years full-time experience working with DFPS in the State of Texas.

Preferred experience in CPS Program and initiating, planning, executing, and controlling projects/assignments.

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.