FCL 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.

Functional Title: FCL Director III 
Job Title: Director III 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: FCL Coordination 
Posting Number: 11152 
Closing Date: 12/10/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28 
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $10,800.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel:  
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 Director of Foster Care Litigations (FCL) performs managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning under the direction of the Quality Assurance Director. Work involves providing strategic direction, establishing goals and objectives; overseeing the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities related to compliance with the foster care litigation remedial orders. The Director of Foster Care Litigation oversees the Department’s compliance initiatives and coordination related to litigation efforts and works closely with the Department’s program areas to monitor compliance and implement enhancements when needed; and reviewing and approving budgets within a department(s) or division(s). The Director of Foster Care Litigation (FCL) oversees the Department’s compliance initiatives and coordination related to litigation efforts and works closely with the Department’s program areas to monitor compliance and implement enhancements when needed. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Oversee the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports.

• Oversees, composes, coordinates and reviews reports, correspondence, presentation documents and other written material, related to FCL, ensuring requests are responded to promptly with consistent and accurate information.
• Provides statements, guidance and consultation for agency leadership regarding development and management of the agency’s case prioritization and heightened monitoring operations and programs.
• Directs the development, and dissemination of division productivity reports and data to communicate results and develops recommendations for program changes to improve performance based on requirements from the court’s monitors.
• Manages the collection, organization, analysis and preparation of management, productivity, and financial reports to monitor, assess and enhance program operations, and develops plans to address short and long-term program requirements.

Develop long-range and short-term plans.

• Oversees the development, review, and evaluation of the impact of current and proposed federal and state legislation on FCL related plans, issues, policies, procedures, and operations.
• Develops and collaborates with DFPS executive leadership in overseeing the implementation of long-range and short-range plans related to FCL initiatives, requirements, and guidelines for the agency.
• Facilitates partnerships to build support and understanding of agency short and long-term plans.

Administer and direct programs in a specific area.

• Oversees the administration of the Foster Care Litigation Program, managing statewide litigation activities related to foster care cases and ensuring coordination among legal, program, and regional staff to maintain consistency and compliance with agency policies and court mandates.
• Develops and implements procedures, workflows, and performance standards that guide litigation management, ensuring timely and accurate response to court orders, case reviews, and discovery requests while upholding the agency’s legal and ethical responsibilities.
• Provides direction to litigation teams and program leaders by prioritizing caseloads, allocating resources, and resolving complex or high-risk cases, ensuring that program goals support the agency’s broader mission to safeguard the welfare of children instate care.
• Oversees the Awake/Night Supervision team, which monitors provider compliance with court-ordered awake overnight staffing requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in care.
• Directs key projects and initiatives related to FCL.

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

• Directs planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of operations related to the court’s remedial orders to promote positive outcomes across program areas.
• Directs Department’s communication, coordination, and preparation efforts for meetings and hearings associated with foster care litigation.
• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and technical guidance for program, and supervises FCL compliance, coordination, and strategy to management and staff.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within a department or division; and identifies need for changes.

• Leverages all available reporting systems and performance data to oversee, evaluate, and strengthen operations supporting the court’s monitoring and judicial oversight functions through the design and implementation of advanced evaluation frameworks. Develops metrics to monitor compliance and reports comprehensive and updated information to executive management to identify trends and assess progress.
• Develops, implements, and monitors objectives, plans, procedures, and techniques to ensure effective allocation, management of resources, and meeting program goals. 
• Collaborates with DFPS executive leadership, program areas, and stakeholders to identify strengths and areas for improvements related to FCL.
• Consults with agency executive leadership, program areas, and stakeholders on historical, current, and projected FCL data to identify problems, causes and areas in need of change to improve operations, functions, and services.  

Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s strategic plan.

• Oversees the day-to-day efforts and interaction of the court’s FCL monitor requirements.
• Directs and implements the long-term vision of the FCL efforts and affected programs by establishing strategic direction, goals, and objectives for program operations.
• Develops, establishes, and implements long-term performance and policy program goals and objectives consistent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan.
• Directs the quality assurance and performance development functions by establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting division goals.

Develops, reviews, and approves budgets and major expenditures; and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.

• Oversees and manages the biennial budget requests and Legislative Appropriations Requests for the Office of Compliance, Coordination, and Strategy and prepares program budget information for agency leadership.
• Assesses and makes determinations regarding budget requests and expenditures to manage resources, needs and priorities for program operations.
• Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of FCL cost reports.
• Ensures timely review and processing of invoices associated with foster care litigation.
• Collaborates with the Office of Finance to ensure the requirement of funding sources are met.

Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines; and implements and monitors compliance.

• Directs the development and implementation of program policies and procedures for FCL.
• Ensures program operations compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, industry standards and agency policies and procedures.
• Oversees and reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration of FCL and makes recommendations for policy, procedural changes. policy, procedural, or compliance review changes.
• Provides leadership, strategic direction and planning on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of FCL laws and regulations.
• Develops and implements methods and strategies for evaluating the effectiveness of technology support services and programs.
• Directs the development and implementation of program policies, best practices, strategic direction, quality assurance, and performance management.

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

• Designs and implements program compliance assessments and develops program performance measures.

• Provides executive oversight in planning, developing, and approving schedules, priorities, and standards to maximize FCL   organizational resources, ensuring alignment of operational objectives with strategic goals and implementing initiatives that drive continuous process improvement and organizational excellence.
• Reviews documentation, records, data, trends, and reports related to the implementation of FCL initiatives to identify and evaluate alternatives and solutions to address areas of improvement.
• Utilizes all available reporting and data to monitor, continually assess, develop, and improve policy and procedure and develops plans to address FCL items. 

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

• Represents the program and the agency in executive level meetings, task forces, and committees to communicate organizational goals, address complex, operational issues, and build consensus on strategic initiatives that enhance service delivery and organizational performance.
• Serves as a liaison, representative and subject matter expert for litigation-related activities and operations to internal and external entities and stakeholders.
• Plans, coordinates, and provides testimony to the Court and during Legislative Sessions for FCL related activities.

Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.

• Reviews reports and studies, including program assessments and productivity analyses, to guide decision-making and develop operational recommendations.
• Reviews and approves financial and program performance reports to present key metrics and direction to executive leadership and formulates strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of program services and operations.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.

• Evaluates results of investigations, audits, studies, analyses, program assessments and surveys to provide overall direction and guidance on program operations to promote efficient and effective delivery of monitoring efforts.
• Provides and examines program metrics, trends, performance data to executive leadership, and develops strategies for effective management and improvement of program services and operations.
• Manages and provides guidance through informative and critical communications regarding program operations statewide.

Provides professional oversight and guidance to other occupations or support staff, including executive and/or management-level staff, to ensure compliance with and adherence to regulatory standards and established procedures.

• Provides professional oversight to attorneys, program managers, and support staff involved in foster care litigation to ensure all case actions, filings, and documentation adhere to federal and state child welfare laws, court orders, and agency procedures.
• Guides executive and regional leadership in interpreting and applying legal and regulatory standards related to foster care litigation, offering technical expertise to promote consistent and defensible case practices statewide.
• Reviews litigation strategies, settlement recommendations, and documentation processes to confirm compliance with statutory requirements and agency risk management protocols, providing corrective guidance and feedback when deviations are identified.

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 relevant to program activities and/or business functions; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; 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; decision-making, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership; and conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.
• 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 agency policies and procedures; to prepare concise reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.     

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, law, or other related field required.

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.