Deputy Director III

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:

Director III - The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Child Protective Investigations (CPI) Deputy Director of Family Investigations & Alternative Response will report to the CPI Director of Family Investigations & Alternative Response and act as a backup to the Regional Directors and other staff in the absence of the Director of Field. Assists with directing day-to-day activities alongside the Director of Family Investigations & Alternative Response and has oversight of the Special Investigators. 

Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities and/or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.   

This position will provide leadership and management for the special investigators who act as consultants and liaisons to law enforcement and investigate serious cases of physical or sexual abuse, child fatalities, and all other forms of abuse or neglect.

**Headquarters location may vary based upon the needs of the Division of Family Investigations and Alternative Response.**  

 Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department or division.
Oversees and/or prepares a division or department budget and reviews and approves major
expenditures: and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports.
Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within a department or division; and identifies need for changes.
Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan.
Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and monitors compliance.
Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and
directs evaluation activities.
Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences,
and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.
Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and
modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.
May develop and oversee the implementation of long-range and short-term plans.
Supervises the work of others.
Performs related work as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business
strategy. Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and
implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare
reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Graduate degree is preferred.

AND

2. Five (5) years full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, professional or technical work which must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material or Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience.

Strongly Preferred: Licensed or Retired TCOLE Master Peace Officer with leadership experience in the investigations of child abuse and neglect.  This may substitute for 2 years of the higher education requirement listed above.

Preferred: Graduate degree in related field of study

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.

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.