CPS Operations Director

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: CPS Operations Director

Job Title: Director III

Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: CPS Dir of Field State Prg Sup

Posting Number: 20631

Closing Date: 09/09/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel: Up to 10%

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 CPS Director III performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for statewide Child Protective Services (CPS) operations. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating policy, practice, legislative, training, quality assurance, and operational initiatives; establishing goals, priorities, and performance standards; ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations; overseeing resource and budget planning; and supporting agency strategic objectives. The Director III serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, represents the division with internal and external stakeholders, and exercises extensive independent judgment under minimal supervision.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Strategic Leadership and Planning:

Provides leadership for statewide CPS operations by establishing priorities, performance expectations, implementation strategies, and operational objectives aligned with agency goals. Leads long-range and short-term planning efforts and advises executive leadership on strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, and compliance requirements.

• Program and Operational Oversight:

Directs CPS program operations, business functions, and statewide initiatives related to policy, practice, training, quality assurance, technology projects, and legislative implementation. Ensures effective service delivery, operational consistency, and alignment with agency priorities.

• Performance Management and Evaluation:

Oversees collection, analysis, and reporting of operational, compliance, and performance data. Establishes performance measures, evaluates program effectiveness, identifies trends and risks, and leads continuous improvement efforts through operational assessments and corrective actions.

• Policy, Compliance, and Risk Management:

Directs the development, implementation, and communication of policies, procedures, best practices, and operational guidance. Ensures compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and agency requirements while identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies to support program integrity and accountability.

• Budget and Resource Management:

Develops budget requests, legislative appropriation materials, fiscal recommendations, and resource allocation strategies. Evaluates staffing, workload, and funding needs to support effective program operations and achievement of division objectives.

• Stakeholder Relations and Agency Representation:

Represents CPS and DFPS before legislative bodies, stakeholder groups, government entities, professional organizations, and community partners. Provides subject matter expertise, testimony, presentations, and consultation regarding CPS policy, practice, performance, and legislative initiatives.

• Reporting, Audit Review, and Organizational Improvement:

Reviews management, financial, compliance, audit, investigative, and forecasting information to guide strategic decision-making, resource utilization, policy development, and program improvement efforts.

• Staff Leadership and Workforce Development:

Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and professional development to management and professional staff. Establishes performance expectations, promotes workforce accountability, and ensures adherence to agency policies, procedures, and standards of conduct.

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

• Knowledge of child welfare programs, practices, and service delivery systems.
• Knowledge of CPS policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of organizational leadership, workforce management, and employee development practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, and performance management principles.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes affecting child welfare programs.

Skill

• Skill in leading and managing large, diverse teams and complex operations.
• Skill in strategic planning, program administration, and operational oversight.
• Skill in policy implementation, organizational change management, and risk mitigation.
• Skill in data analysis, performance evaluation, and problem-solving.
• Skill in communicating effectively with executive leadership, staff, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Skill in collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Ability

• Ability to manage multiple programs, initiatives, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and operational processes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to allocate resources effectively and balance organizational demands.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions.
• Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement efforts.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities; establish goals and objectives; prepare concise reports; and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

May require registration, certification, or licensure in a specialty area.

Initial Screening Criteria:

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

Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in state government.

DFPS experience preferred.

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 Auditors 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.