Regional Director Assistant

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 Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Regional Director Assistant (RDA) is selected by and reports to the DFPS Regional Director in the Child Protection Investigations (CPI) Division.  Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work.  The position is responsible for the operation and management of designated areas of the CPI Program within their region. The position plans, develops, implements and monitors special projects, legislative requirements, regional training and pilot initiatives associated with the CPI program strategy in order to guide strategic planning for the region. Facilitates program communication with internal and external stakeholders. Oversees the compilation and analysis of data and information from various sources. Provides subject matter expertise and interpretations regarding CPI program strategies, policies, and procedures. Facilitates the completion of studies, analyses, and research regarding program strategy policies and procedures and develops recommendations. Provides subject matter expertise and manages internal and external communications regarding the CPI program for their regional area.  Represents the Regional Director at meetings, conferences, workgroups, and other events. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Work involves preparing charts, diagrams, tables, narrative descriptions and detailed case reviews, forms, training materials, and presentations to assist in the implementation of special projects and initiatives. The position interacts routinely with agency staff including State Office, regional management, and caseworkers.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides consultative services, analysis, and technical assistance by compiling and reviewing statistical data in the areas of workforce, to include hiring, retention, and HR events.  This position prepares detailed responses and reports regarding number, types, and length of vacancies to advise the Regional Director of any hiring delays and weekly vacancy rates. Consults with the Regional Operations Service Administrator (ROSA) and Talent Acquisition Group (TAG) to maintain Regional Position Control. Analyzes trends and gaps for regional leadership by conducting one-one-one exit interviews with staff who are leaving the agency, facilitates retention groups, follows up on any recommendations, and provides quarterly trends and patterns report for the regional leadership team. Recommends employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship, including morale booster events with the region, to promote a high level of employee morale and motivation. Manages and coordinates with field staff the handling of any Civil Rights and reasonable accommodations, and FML matters by recording detailed records of all complaints and responses for the region.  Provides subject matter expertise in performance and conduct personnel matters and policy by consulting with Program Administrators, Program Directors, and Supervisors in preparing adverse personnel action memos. Participates in the administration of investigations when employee complaints or concerns are brought forth and facilitates staffing of adverse personnel actions between program staff, Human Resources, and legal and provides feedback about adverse and non-adverse personnel actions to the Regional Director. Serves at the region’s liaison with Human Resources. (20%)

Consults and communicates with regional and state office management, regional caseworkers and field staff, CPI state office program and policy staff, external public and private stakeholders, consumers of child protective investigation services, volunteers, advocates, judges, other social service providers, educational, juvenile justice, judiciary, legislative staff, workforce developmental boards and organizations to address, track, and provide general information and interpretation of program policy and procedures related to investigation case complaints and inquiries. Acts as a liaison between the region and the DFPS Office of Consumer Relations to address case-specific issues, and ensure follow up on cited policy violations in order to reduce substantiated complaints within the region and overall division. (20%)

Plans, develops, implements and monitors special projects, legislative requirements, regional training and pilot initiatives associated with the CPI program strategy in order to guide strategic planning for the region. Manages and coordinates the completion of specialized projects, reports and issues detailed reports regarding the implementation of legislative mandates affecting CPI.  Plans and assigns staff projects and assignments, monitors project deadlines and ensures deliverables are available at expected project completion dates.  Develops special project monitoring tools, communication plans and performance measure to ensure project deadlines are met. (15%)

Consults with regional leadership to prepare communications and responses to stakeholder and legislative inquiries and data requests regarding the CPI investigations program for their region and related initiatives.  Facilitates program communication with internal and external stakeholders including CPS state office and field staff, other state and federal agencies, client service providers, and legislative offices. Provides guidance and consultation regarding CPI investigations program strategy initiatives and activities, evaluates program inquires and coordinates written response with program or agency leadership. Provides program subject matter expertise and provides consultation and technical assistance services regarding CPI program activities, policies, and procedures to stakeholders and employees to respond to written and verbal inquiries and resolve problems. Develops and disseminates accurate and creative internal and external communication by preparing various correspondence to communicate legislative information, procedures, policies and standards for compliance on behalf of the regional leadership team. Prepares reports, correspondence, studies, forms, meetings agendas, training materials, presentations, organizational charts, and detailed case reviews for the Regional Director. Represents the Regional Director at meetings, conferences, workgroups, hearing and other events.  (25%)

Manages collaboration between various stakeholders regarding serious physical abuse/neglect cases to include expediting courtesy interviews outside the county or region with local on call staff, following up on cases reviewed by the Parental Child Safety Placement (PCSP) Specialist and Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist. Collects information as needed for the Regional Director and participates in regional case staffings and Quick Response Team (QRT) meetings. (10%)

This position will serve as the liaison with CLOE and regional subject matter expert on training requirements for staff.  Will have consistent communication with regional CLOE staff to ensure new workers are completing requirements for CPS Professional Development (CPD), and recently promoted supervisors and Program Directors are completing their required training. Will serve as the point of contact to assist CLOE staff in problem solving any barriers to worker and supervisor mentor assignments.   In addition to monitoring compliance with new worker and manager training, they will track and coordinate all trainings at the regional level. This includes follow up with non-compliance on all mandatory trainings, booking rooms, sending invitations, and room set up as needed.  (10%)

TOTAL TIME SPENT: 100%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to the Child Protective Investigations Division.

Knowledge of CPS programs and child welfare practices.

Knowledge of contracted and community providers and services provided to children and families involved with the Department.

Knowledge of CPS programs, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of federal and state law regarding Child Protective Services

Skill in leading others and facilitating group meetings.

Skill in leading projects, managing work processes, producing deliverables and determining outcomes.

Skill in program planning, development and implementation.

Skill in preparing and analyzing data.

Skill in solving problems.

Organizational and time management skill.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels and with community groups.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

Ability to develop and facilitate work teams.

Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Ability to prepare and conduct presentations.

Ability to represent Child Protective Services and the agency effectively with key stakeholders.

Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze data and facts.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, develop staff and oversee the work of others.

Ability to approach problems critically and analytically.

Ability to plan, direct, and assign responsibilities and supervise the work of others.

Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university.

Must have four (4) years of full-time consultative, social service, professional and experience in interpretation of complex written materials of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

CPS supervision experience preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.