Project Manager 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:

Position reports to the Accounting Director within the Office of Finance at DFPS. Performs advanced (senior-level) project management work for the accounting division. Work involves coordinating the planning and initiation of diverse projects at various levels of completion; monitoring the progress and schedule of projects; and communicating with project stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties.  May direct, assign, and evaluate the work of project staff. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Provides project management expertise, consultation, and technical assistance across the accounting division. Coordinates and implements high level, critical, large impact analysis across divisional projects.  Responsible for creating tools, templates, and resources that foster project management collaboration and cohesion across the division.  Responsible for coordinating project activities that stem from legislation and audit resolution that involve coordination with other divisions, state agencies, or contractors. Monitors, manages, and documents project progress, implementation, and effectiveness to ensure project deliverables are acceptable and meet expected outcomes. Identifies potential project risks and constraints and designs strategies to mitigate or avoid them. Initiates high-level DFPS and multi-agency projects that include using accepted project management methodologies. Evaluates multi-divisional and multi-agency projects from conceptualization, planning, and initiation through to completion using accepted project management methodologies. Facilitates and participates in workgroup meetings to communicate progress, constraints, and risks associated with project deliverables with key stakeholders. Oversees multiple, simultaneous projects, tasks, assignments, and priorities that affect large groups of staff and impact the accounting divisions business operations. (50%)
• Creates standards to evaluate and prioritize proposals for new projects that includes scoring tools for assessment and decision making. Develop key performance indicators and other criteria for evaluating programs, milestones, outcomes, and efficiency using accepted project management methodologies. Responsible for documenting project related decisions, changes, and risk mitigation strategies to promote strong communication to all parties.  Assigns and communicates tasks and responsibilities with appropriate resources to adequately manage project delivery. Develops evaluation tools to guide the work of project staff related to project activities. (25%)
• Develops schedules and work plans to monitor and track the progress of divisional projects to ensure milestones are completed and implementation dates are met. Assigns and communicates tasks and responsibilities with appropriate resources to adequately manage project delivery. Develops project budgets and monitors costs to ensure project completion within budget. Develops, implements, and maintains plans to communicate project methodology and processes to project participants and divisional and agency leadership. Regularly communicates with stakeholders and customers to identify needs and existing gaps in processes and functions. (25%)

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of state agency administrative/business operations that includes contracting, procurement, finance or auditing. Knowledge of project management theories and practices applicable to projects that are highly complex in scope; systems and procedures used to evaluate a third-party vendor’s performance; and local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the administration of the project undertaken. Knowledge of the legislative process.

Skill in project management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope and budget, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.  Skill in risk management and process improvement methodologies.

Ability to communicate both written and verbally. Ability to manage project activities; to establish project goals and objectives; to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to direct, assign, and evaluate the work of project staff.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and four (4) years of project managment experience.  Experience with Lean Six Sigma, or similar, is preferred.  

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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.