CPS Director of Field Operations Job at Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Austin, TX 78756

The Director of Field Operations for Child Protective Services (CPS) performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. The Director plays a critical role in the day-to-day operations and long-term vision of the CPS program, by acting as the main link between state office and field practice. The Director supports the CPS Associate Commissioner through direct oversight of 10 Regional Directors and approximately 7,000 field staff. The Director plays a lead role in identifying risks and other areas for improvement within the CPS system; implementing program initiatives; and recommending creative solutions that maximize resources. The Director within CPS will understand the gravity of the program’s mission to protect children, will set high expectations to fulfill that mission, and hold field staff directly accountable to such standards. The Director should lead with integrity and transparency and will fulfil a critical role in making Texas a leader in child protection and foster care.

This position will report direction to the CPS Associate Commissioner. This position will assist other Regional Directors across the state on any all assigned tasks from the CPS Associate Commissioners.


Essential Job Functions:
  • Oversees the management, coordination, and oversight of CPS activities through supervision of regional program management.


  • Directs and is accountable for major program management decisions impacting significant numbers of staff and agency resources, and most importantly children and families.


  • Will critically assess field work success, by conducting case reviews and data analysis to evaluate staff productivity and the quality of decision making.


  • Ensures field staff have a direct line of communication to state office; hears field concerns and addresses deficiencies.



  • Reviews and makes management decisions regarding field operations budget and staff allocation.


  • Represents program in a leadership capacity on complex financial issues that cross agencies, divisions and programs.


  • Advises and is accountable to the CPS Associate Commissioner on the status and progress of major system reforms.


  • Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.


  • Implements continuous process improvement to ensure better child safety outcomes and increased caseworker time with families.


  • Executes the Associate Commissioner’s strategic direction and vision to CPS regional management, staff, and stakeholders, working to integrate policy and practice across the state.


  • Oversees the overall planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation of CPS programs and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery.


  • Plans such changes by incorporating best practices and innovative use of resources, data and technology.


  • Accountable that deliverables are accurate, complete and deadlines are met.


  • Coordinates the implementation of legislation and agency-wide projects.


  • Provides Child Protective Services field staff with program vision, leadership and strategic direction.


  • Provides guidance, assistance and policy interpretations regarding CPS policies and procedures to field staff, external entities and stakeholders.


  • Identifies knowledge and process gaps and recommends improvements and changes in CPS processes, functions and performance.


  • Develops informative communications regarding CPS program policies and guidelines.


  • Provides information to the agency and internal and external stakeholders regarding CPS administration functions.


  • Represents the CPS Associate Commissioner at external meetings and serves on committees, task forces and interagency workgroups as requested.


  • Is an active and cooperative partner with state, and community stakeholders including the following: federal, state and local entities; child and family advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, healthcare and other service providers, children, youth and families.


  • May also represent DFPS on various boards, task forces, and committees.


  • Assists CPS in working with elected officials, including the Office of the Governor and members of the Texas Legislature.


  • May provide subject-matter expertise during testimony or other presentations.


  • Evaluates results and provides direction in response to findings and studies to meet program and agency strategic goals.


  • Evaluates results and provides direction in response to program modeling to achieve greater program efficiencies and agency goals.


  • Represents program at legislative hearings and meetings and responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information and participates in developing legislative appropriation requests.


  • Reviews and evaluates the impact of proposed federal and state laws on program operations.


  • Provides strategic direction and feedback on operations, program trends and their impact.


  • Responsible for all aspects of field operations staff development, including the program’s use of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisals.


  • Also performs managerial functions for CPS Regional Directors and State Office Support staff, including hiring, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions.


  • Performs related work as assigned to conduct business operations.


    Knowledge Skills Abilities:
    Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas. Skill in strategic planning and executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to direct and organize program activities. Ability to assist in establishing and implementing program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions. Ability to collaborate and work closely with state and community organizations. Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures. Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities. Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking/analysis. Proven skills in leadership, communication, and public speaking. Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups. Ability to establish goals and objectives. Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise a large and diverse workforce. Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to make timely and effective decisions.

    Registration or Licensure Requirements:
    None


    Initial Selection Criteria:
    Demonstrated experience leading organizations and complex programs.

    Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public policy, social work, or other related fields.


    Additional Information:
    REQ 536529

    MOS Code:
    There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information, see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk here.

    As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.



    HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.


    In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.




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