Deputy Director I

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Deputy Director I 
Job Title: Deputy Director I 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: State Office Pgm Support 
Posting Number: 11673 
Closing Date: 01/31/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-33 
Salary Range: $12,427.83 - $20,018.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 25% 
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: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Associate Commissioner for Child Protective Investigations (CPI) performs highly advanced (senior-level) policy administration and managerial work for the CPI field and state office programs, including but not limited to investigations of suspected abuse or neglect, alternative response, Child Care Investigations, of residential and day care facilities, special investigations, and human trafficking and child exploitation. Work involves strategic planning, state agency administration, and working closely with the executive director on the day-to-day operations of the agency and/or departments and/or divisions. Supervises the work of others including staff at the executive level and/or management level. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Directs the day-to-day operations of the agency, which may include the agency’s financial and budget activities and other operational or programmatic activities; or oversees major, complex, and functionally related areas organized into multiple departments and/or divisions.

• Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the CPI Division focused on promoting safe and healthy families and protecting children from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• Oversees major program management decisions, which impact agency operations statewide, other state agencies, and DFPS clients and resources.
• Directs planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of CPI statewide programs and policies to promote innovation, best practices, effective program administration and service delivery.
• Coordinates service delivery issues within DFPS.

Directs and approves the preparation of the budget; determines long-range budgetary plans agency wide or for several departments and/or divisions.

• Assesses division resources and directs the development of the CPI budget in cooperation with DFPS executive leadership.
• Reviews and makes management decisions regarding budget and staff allocation for programs administered by CPI.
• Determines long-range CPI related budgetary plans by collaborating with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Chief Financial Officer and DFPS executive leadership to determine critical resources necessary to promote agency goals and objectives, and to assist in development of the agency’s budget and Legislative Appropriations Request.

Oversees and/or prepares agency policies, procedures, reports, and studies.

• Oversees the preparation of ad hoc projects to gather information to complete the request and prepare deliverables.
• Manages the implementation of CPI policies and procedures changes while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

• Collaborates with DFPS executive leadership, program areas, and external stakeholders to manage the preparation of studies to identify trends and issues to analyze CPI programs and service delivery.
• Critically assess the functioning of all levels of CPI staff, including investigations and productivity of front-line field staff, reinforcing good decision-making through policy, best practices, supervision and data-driven analysis.

Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the agency

are appropriate.

• Performs highly advanced management and oversight activities for CPI.
• Assesses and directs the CPI functions to meet necessary and required service levels.
• Identify interdependencies between projects as well as existing policy and processes to promote CPI programs and services delivery.

Provides information, advice, and counsel to the executive director and other executives and management in the planning, development, and operation of agency services; and keeps the executive director informed on the status and progress of operations in major departments or divisions and/or across the agency.

• Informs the Commissioner and DFPS executive leadership on the status and progress of CPI programs and recommends methods for effective and efficient utilization of resources.

• Notifies the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and DFPS executive leadership on the status and issues impacting CPI programs and makes recommendations to resolve issues and concerns.
• Advises and counsels the Commissioner on the planning, development and operations of the CPI programs and service delivery.

Provides strategic direction and approves operational and staff resources for departments and/or divisions.

• Provides strategic direction to DFPS executive leadership and approves the allocations of resources that reflects compliance with state and federal requirements and meets the vision and goals of the agency.

Provides information and advice to state agencies and the general public regarding agency activities and responsibilities.

• Reports on and communicates with internal and external entities on the CPI functions and programs, and matters affecting CPI programs, clients and daily operations.
• Advises a variety of stakeholders and audiences of pertinent and essential information related to CPI programs and service delivery. 

Participates in the planning of strategic initiatives and development of policies; and manages and/or oversees projects and special initiatives.

• Manages and coordinates strategic initiatives for the department, including research, analysis, project management, decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and communications.
• Develops and recommends procedures, strategic initiatives, and development of policies for effective utilization of resources and services provided by the agency.

Participates in activities related to the legislative process including conferring with the executive director to determine policy and legislative priorities; and oversees the implementation of legislative changes.

• Oversees and reviews the impact of proposed federal and state legislation on the CPI policies and procedures, relating to program operations, and implementation of resources.
• Coordinates with Government Relations, Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and DFPS executive leadership, in coordination with other program areas, as needed, regarding the implementation of legislative changes that has impact to CPI programs and service delivery.

Represents the agency at meetings with legislators, legislative staff, and other legislative liaisons; and may provide testimony before legislative committees.

• Represent the agency in working with elected officials, legislators, the Office of the Governor, and other state agencies by provided subject matter expertise on CPI programs and service delivery.
• Makes presentations and provide information and frequent testimony to legislative offices or committees, and other public presentations.
• Prepares and presents testimony before the legislature.

Reviews and analyzes agency operations to evaluate the performance of the agency and to identify areas of potential program modifications and improvements.

• Identifies and strengthens areas needing improvement through innovative initiatives to improve child welfare in Texas.
• Reviews and manages the division's priorities, working within available resources and building the business case for all activities of the agency, including the development of the strategic plan and any requests for funding from the Texas Legislature.

Ensures that the agency adheres to agency goals, objectives, and strategies.

• Oversees the development of goals and objectives within the CPI divisions to enhance programs and service delivery.

• Analyzes federal and state regulations and legislation, and program data on a regular basis to determine appropriate operational or administrative direction program compliance with agency goals, objectives, and strategies.

• Ensures that resources are acquired appropriately and implemented effectively in compliance with regulations and agency policies to promote safe and healthy families and protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Works with DFPS executive leadership to develop plans and specific activities to accomplish CPI goals and objectives.

May assist in identifying and managing strategic risks.

• Collaborates with Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, DFPS executive leadership and external stakeholders to identify, assess and manage strategic risks that have significant impact on child welfare in Texas. 

May confer with board members, organization officials, and staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, and resolve problems.

• Represents DFPS on various boards, task forces, and committees to gather input, discuss CPI issues and trends, integrate positive outcomes and develop resolutions to improve child welfare in Texas.  

May act as executive director in the absence of the executive director.

• Acts as the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner in their absence, as needed.

Supervises the work of others, including staff at the executive level and/or management level.

• Performs managerial functions for CPI senior management, including hiring, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions.
• Responsible for all aspects of staff development, including the division's use of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisals.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbott Executive Order GA-48. 

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques.

Knowledge of accounting, budgeting and financial principles.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals for operations of a large and/or complex state government organization.

Skills decision-making at an executive level, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership.

Skill in conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct program activities and/or business functions.

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 implement agency policies and procedures; to prepare concise reports.

Ability to make presentations and testify at hearings

Ability to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in public administration, business, and human services or closely related field of study.

Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in the management and direction of a program with at least five (5) years of executive leadership.  

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.