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: Director I Job Title: Director I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: CPI Deputy Director of Field Posting Number: 23265 Closing Date: 11/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $10,785.83 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 25% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO Job Location Address: 3635 SE MILITARY DR Other Locations: Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Austin; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress; Clarksville; Cleburne; Cleveland; Coldspring; Columbus; Conroe; Copperas Cove; Corpus Christi; Corsicana; Crockett; Crosby; Crystal City; Cuero; Cypress; Daingerfield; Dallas; Decatur; Del Rio; Denton; Dickinson; Dumas; Duncanville; Eagle Pass; Eastland; Edinburg; El Paso; Elgin; Elsa; Ennis; Fabens; Falfurrias; Floresville; Fort Stockton; Fort Worth; Fredericksburg; Gainesville; Galveston; Garland; Gatesville; Georgetown; Giddings; Gilmer; Goliad; Gonzales; Graham; Granbury; Grand Prairie; Grapevine; Greenville; Hallettsville; Hamilton; Harlingen; Haskell; Hearne; Hemphill; Hempstead; Henderson; Hereford; Hillsboro; Hondo; Houston; Humble; Huntsville; Hurst; Irving; Jacksonville; Jasper; Johnson City; Jourdanton; Karnes City; Katy; Kaufman; Kerrville; Killeen; Kingsville; Kingwood; Kirbyville; La Grange; Lake Jackson; Lake Worth; Lamesa; Lampasas; Lancaster; Laredo; Levelland; Lewisville; Liberty; Linden; Littlefield; Livingston; Llano; Lockhart; Longview; Lubbock; Lufkin; Lumberton; Madisonville; Marble Falls; Marfa; Marlin; Marshall; Mcallen; Mckinney; Mercedes; Meridian; Mesquite; Mexia; Midland; Mineola; Mineral Wells; Mission; Monahans; Mount Pleasant; Mount Vernon; Nacogdoches; Navasota; New Boston; New Braunfels; Odessa; Orange; Palestine; Pampa; Paris; Pasadena; Pearland; Pearsall; Pecos; Perryton; Pharr; Pittsburg; Plainview; Plano; Pollok; Port Arthur; Port Lavaca; Presidio; Quitman; Raymondville; Refugio; Richardson; Richmond; Rio Grande City; Robstown; Rockwall; Rosenberg; Round Rock; Rowlett; Rusk; San Angelo; San Antonio; San Benito; San Juan; San Marcos; San Saba; Schertz; Seguin; Seminole; Seymour; Sherman; Silsbee; Sinton; Snyder; Socorro; Sonora; South Houston; Stephenville; Sugar Land; Sulphur Springs; Sweetwater; Taylor; Temple; Terrell; Texarkana; Texas City; The Woodlands; Tomball; Trinity; Tyler; Uvalde; Van Horn; Vernon; Victoria; Waco; Washington; Watauga; Waxahachie; Weatherford; Webster; Weslaco; Wharton; Wichita Falls; Woodville; Zapata 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:

Performs highly advanced (executive-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for CPI. Work involves planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing major agency program(s) and providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public. May serve as a lead for providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Plans, prioritizes, and performs of a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessment, and administrative activities for assigned program(s) including overseeing the delivery of services; provides high-level technical assistance for a program; and creates efficiencies where opportunities occur.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Advises and consults with DFPS staff to ensure policies, procedures and processes follow DFPS guidance and legislative mandates.
• Works closely with DFPS divisions including Child Protective Investigations, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, Statewide Intake, Office of Finance, Foster Care Litigation Compliance, Accountability and Internal Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, Internal Audit, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, and the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Leads the implementation and ongoing management of complex program initiatives.

• Responsible for assisting with the overall administration and coordination of policy updates.
• Title IV-state plan development, review, and implementation of initiatives
• Legislative Budget Bureau variance report analysis.
• Responsible for the day-to-day management of policy and legislative updates
• Monitors legislative progress towards meeting performance outcomes, and oversight of the successful completion on an ongoing and consistent basis.
• Escalates issues to senior CPI management as appropriate for decision making and or resolution.

Coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program information and reports.

• Tracks, collects and analyzes monthly and quarterly performance data and information submitted by Data and Analytics.

Completes and monitors required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects; and recommends appropriate changes to programs.

• When needed, implements initiatives and projects with internal/external partners that support CPI programs in achieving their goals and objectives.
• Facilitates planning, implementation and evaluation of strategies to achieve CPI priorities, policy development and coordination with state office and field level staff.
• Routinely provides timely technical assistance and appropriate trouble shooting to internal and external representatives.
• Consults program specialist and field staff related to policy and practice implementation.

Ensures compliance with program policies and procedures, statutes, and rules; and takes corrective action(s) as needed.

• Reviews and coordinates all updates to CPI policy and practice.
• Works with DFPS divisions to properly develop new policy and practice.
• Follow ups with the Office of the General Counsel to ensure legal compliance of policy development and updates.

Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating agency programs, identifies the need for new programs or change to existing programs, and provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures.

• Works on cross agency projects as assigned by the Director of Field related to CPI policy and practice.
• Utilizes software programs, EXCEL to track and monitor the progress of completion of task assigned.

Performs and/or oversees studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.

• Review external data provided to the public for accuracy and compliance.
• Initiates reviews of internal data for compliance and clarity to current policy and law.

Analyzes legislation to develop recommendations for policy in programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and/or expansion or reduction of program funding; and assists in responding to legislative and external inquiries and requests.

• Reviews changes in legislation affecting CPI and coordinates with other divisions and program specialist to determine the impact on the agency and CPI division.
• Drafts timely responses to legislative inquires.
• Reviews legislative bills that impacts CPI by reviewing and providing consultations and guidance to CPI program specialist.
• Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of legislative documents/correspondence, white papers, bill analyses, and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making are completed timely.

Speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program(s) and to secure support for program(s).

• Drafts and coordinates information and communication related to CPI policy and practice including responses to external partners, public presentations, correspondences, and memoranda for internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents CPI program as meetings as directed, attends conferences and briefs leadership.

Consults with public and private agencies involved in the programs to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss program effectiveness.

• Represents CPI in coordinating the development and implementation of CPI agency activities and functions
• Consults with external partners to improve and enhance collaboration and partnerships between CPI and external partners such as, Forensic Assessment Children’s Network, Children’s Advocacy Center of Texas, HHSC state agencies, Children’s Commission, federal/state partners and county and local agencies.

Prepares and evaluates program budget requests.

• As assigned review legislative bills to determine fiscal impact to DFPS and CPI.

Assists management with developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals; and planning program activities in accordance with program objective and goals.

• Consults with internal agency divisions to ensure CPI program compliance with applicable requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with appropriate DFPS divisions and agency staff to conduct reviews and development of policy and practice.

May coordinate and implement risk and compliance activities.

• Interfaces with external partners to coordinate policy development and analysis that involves CPI policy and practice pertaining to child abuse or neglect

May serve as a lead when providing direction to others.

• Review and provide guidance to CPI program specialist regarding policy development, legislative analysis, or project tasks.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of DFPS structure, Child Protective Investigations (CPI) programs, policies, procedures, practice standards, and cross-divisional operations.
• Strong understanding of Texas child welfare laws (Family Code, Human Resources Code, Administrative Code) and related regulations.
• Familiarity with the Texas legislative process, including bill development, hearings, fiscal notes, and implementation.
• Understanding of rulemaking, legislative oversight, reporting requirements, and appropriations processes.
• Ability to analyze policy and assess legislative impact.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management.
• Familiarity with project management and implementation strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and continuous quality improvement.

Skills

• Lead and develop high-performing teams in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments.
• Manage competing priorities and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Influence executive-level decision-making.
• Deliver clear, effective verbal and written communication.
• Prepare executive briefings, legislative testimony, reports, and policy recommendations.
• Present complex information succinctly to leadership, media, and stakeholders.
• Evaluate legislation for operational, fiscal, legal, and policy impacts.
• Conduct complex research, data analysis, and trend identification.
• Assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop and execute long-term legislative and policy strategies.
• Align initiatives with agency priorities and child safety outcomes.
• Anticipate emerging issues and manage large-scale, statewide initiatives.

Abilities

• Lead CPI statewide legislative initiatives
• Set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple high-profile projects
• Foster collaboration across divisions and external partners
• Analyze complex legislation and assess operational impacts
• Develop legislative proposals and implementation strategies
• Advise executive leadership and represent the agency in hearings and public forums
• Build and maintain effective relationships with leadership and stakeholders
• Navigate sensitive political issues with professionalism and credibility
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts among diverse stakeholders
• Balance child safety, operations, statutory, and fiscal considerations
• Exercise independent judgment in high-visibility situations

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

10 years of experience with DFPS with at least 5 years of experience in supervision.

Additional Information:

This position can be housed in any main regional hub office.

75% travel is required during legislative session.

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.