CPS Permanency 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 Permanency Director Job Title: Director I Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: CPS BPD Best Practices CAPTA Posting Number: 17096 Closing Date: 06/01/2026 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:

The CPS Permanency Director I that works under the supervision of Director of Conservatorship.


Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning. Work involves establishing the strategic plan and goals and objectives; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions. Supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Administer and direct programs in a specific area.
• Provides executive-level oversight of CPS Permanency programs, including placement stability, court compliance, and timely permanency outcomes for children in conservatorship.
• Directly supervises CPS staff and provides strategic guidance to ensure alignment with agency goals and legal requirements.
• Establishes program priorities, monitors performance, and provides technical assistance to regional and state office leadership.
• Ensures consistent permanency practice across regions and programs.

Directs program activities and/or business functions within a department or division.
• Directs the operations of the Permanency division and position will oversee collaboration with the State Office division that will consist of Directors, Division Administrators, Managers and Management Analysts and other Subject Matter Experts (SME's).
• Directs corrective action plans to address systemic barriers impacting permanency outcomes.
• Collaborates with regional leadership and legal partners to resolve performance and compliance issues.
• Evaluates permanency program effectiveness to ensure appropriate use of resources and adherence to best practices.

Develops and implements techniques for evaluating program activities and/or business functions within a department or division; and identifies need for changes.

• Analyses statewide data on placement available to children and youth in foster care, their utilization of services, trends, and services gaps, assesses opportunities for improvement, and makes plan to address issues and barriers
• Continuously evaluates and manages policy and practice needs, revisions, updates, changes, and implementation for the CPS Placement Division and Permanency Division.
• Advocates for compliance and risk mitigation during program planning as it pertains to the policy, practices in the field, implementation and/or change management for existing systems.

Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan.
• Establishes short- and long-term permanency goals aligned with DFPS strategic priorities.
• Ensures decision-making supports child safety, stability, and legally sound permanency outcomes.
• Leads senior staff in identifying barriers to permanency and developing solution-focused strategies.
• Promotes accountability and continuous improvement across permanency operations.

Develops, reviews, and approves budgets and major expenditures; and ensures that requirements of funding sources are met.
• Oversees development and monitoring of budgets impacting CPS Permanency programs.
• Reviews expenditures and coordinates with DFPS Finance to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensures permanency resources and contracted services are justified, effective, and aligned with program goals.
• Assesses financial impacts of legislative or policy changes affecting permanency services.

Develop policies, procedures, and guidelines, and monitors compliance.
• Oversees development and revision of CPS permanency policies and procedural guidance.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal statutes, court orders, and oversight requirements.
• Monitors policy implementation and directs quality assurance and corrective actions.
• Ensures permanency practices align with agency standards and legal mandates.

Plans develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving goals; and directs evaluation activities.
• Directs planning and implementation of permanency initiatives, projects, and system improvements.
• Establishes performance standards and evaluates progress toward achieving permanency goals.
• Coordinates cross-divisional efforts to ensure permanency initiatives are implemented effectively.
• Facilitates internal and external workgroups to support permanency operations.

Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
• Represents CPS Permanency programs in meetings with courts, legal partners, community organizations, and other agencies.
• Participates in legislative briefings, stakeholder meetings, and child welfare forums as appropriate.
• Provides subject matter expertise regarding permanency practice and program performance.
• Engages external partners to support improved permanency outcomes.

Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.
• Reviews statewide permanency performance and productivity reports to assess outcomes.
• Uses data to guide decision-making and direct program improvements.
• Coordinates with Data and Analytics and Finance staff to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Monitors utilization of placements and permanency services.

Reviews results of special investigations, internal audits, research studies, forecasts, and modeling exercises to provide direction and guidance.
• Reviews internal audits, program reviews, and compliance findings related to permanency.
• Ensures recommendations are implemented and monitored.
• Evaluates risks and directs system-level responses to prevent recurrence of issues

Provides professional oversight and guidance to other occupations or support staff, including executive and/or management-level staff, to ensure compliance with and adherence to regulatory standards and established procedures.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and develops CPS Management Analyst staff.
• Establishes expectations, performance goals, and accountability standards.
• Conducts performance evaluations and manages employee relations matters.
• Promotes leadership development and workforce stability.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure per Governor Abbot Executive Order GA-48.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.


Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy.


Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in problem solving and analytical thinking/analysis

• Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking, Strong verbal and written communication skills; and keen ability to develop technical recommendations and presentations tailored for audiences, including leadership, decision makers, cross-functional teams
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups; negotiating and working with diverse groups and varied management styles, as well as developing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates and management.

• Ability to compose well-written documents, including letters and position papers
• Ability to build, establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce result
• Skill in directing and managing high performing program teams.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information and model ethical behavior.
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple tasks, mid- and large-scale projects and priorities concurrently.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and provide full transparency into all aspects of ongoing work assignments.
• Knowledge of child welfare principles, CPS permanency practice, placement stability, and permanency planning.
• Knowledge of court processes, judicial requirements, and legal timelines impacting CPS permanency outcomes.
• Knowledge of program and project management principles within a public sector or child welfare environment.
• Knowledge of budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource allocation within a state agency.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and court orders affecting CPS permanency services, including federal oversight requirements.
• Knowledge of organizational performance management, outcome measurement, and data driven decision making.
• Knowledge of DFPS policies, procedures, and governance structures, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
• Skill in executive level program management, including planning, prioritization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Skill in strategic planning, systems analysis, and problem solving in complex, high risk environments.
• Skill in budget planning, analysis, and monitoring, including coordination with finance staff.
• Skill in independent judgment and decision making with significant operational, legal, and permanency implications.
• Skill in leading and facilitating meetings and presenting complex information to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Skill in stakeholder engagement and collaboration, including courts, legal partners, providers, advocacy organizations, and internal DFPS divisions.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and initiatives across large program areas.
• Skill in preparing executive level reports, briefings, and formal written communications.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and collaboration tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint).
• Ability to provide executive leadership, supervise senior management staff, and influence organizational performance.
• Ability to analyze complex operational, legal, fiscal, and performance data and develop effective strategies.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and track permanency performance measures and outcomes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with executive leadership, courts, stakeholders, and staff at all levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships to achieve permanency goals.
• Ability to plan, direct, and oversee large scale CPS permanency programs, establish goals and objectives, and ensure follow-through.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising discretion, professionalism, and accountability.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities, legislative mandates, and legal requirements in a demanding public service environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

5 years experience in the management and direction of a program relevant to the assignment.


Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in a field relevant to the assignment is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.


Additional Information: This position can be housed in any region with a DFPS office.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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: .

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.