Pal Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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: TLS PAL Management Analyst II Job Title: Management Analyst II Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: CPS Permanency Program Support Posting Number: 20026 Closing Date: 09/02/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $4,523.16- $7,253.83 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-21 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 25% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: TYLER Job Location Address: 302 E RIECK RD Other Locations: Austin; Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; 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: 0510,0570,4502,4505,8016,8840,8852,8862,8870,11A,11Z,14FX,165X,171X,35PX,37A,37F,3N0X6,46A,612X,632X
641X,70A,70D,70E,712X,732X,INF,IS,SEI13,SEI15,YN,YNS
Brief Job Description
Performs complex (journey-level) organizational, program, and policy analysis work in support of the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) and Chafee programs. Conducts program evaluations, analyzes service delivery systems and operational processes, evaluates program effectiveness, and develops recommendations to improve outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Researches and analyzes state, federal, and national trends, legislation, and best practices to support strategic planning, program development, and policy implementation.
Works collaboratively with DFPS leadership, regional staff, Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCCs), community organizations, and state and national partners to identify service needs, evaluate program performance, and develop initiatives that strengthen transition services for youth in foster care. Prepares technical reports, policy analyses, training materials, and operational guidance to support informed decision-making and continuous program improvement.
Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Program Performance, Data Analysis, and Evaluation
Performs complex analysis of program, operational, and performance data to evaluate service delivery effectiveness and inform program improvements for the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) and Chafee programs.

• Collects and analyzes PAL and Chafee service delivery data to identify trends, service gaps, participation outcomes, and regional performance indicators.
• Evaluates workload, staffing utilization, and program performance metrics to identify operational challenges and support resource planning.
• Analyzes historical, current, and projected data to identify emerging service needs, barriers to participation, and opportunities for program enhancement.
• Reviews National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) reports and other performance measures to evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous quality improvement.
• Evaluates the utilization and effectiveness of PAL and Chafee-funded services, including Education and Training Voucher (ETV), aftercare, life skills, and transition services.
• Develops data-driven recommendations to improve youth engagement, service access, and program outcomes.

Program Monitoring and Quality Improvement
Monitors organizational, procedural, and operational systems to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and consistency in service delivery.

• Monitors PAL and Chafee program operations for compliance with DFPS policy, federal requirements, and established program standards.
• Reviews service delivery processes, operational procedures, and youth documentation to identify opportunities for improvement and standardization.
• Evaluates regional implementation of PAL services and identifies inconsistencies, trends, and barriers affecting service delivery.
• Assesses program operations and service delivery models to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and outcomes for transition-aged youth.
• Identifies operational issues and develops recommendations for corrective action and continuous quality improvement.

Research, Strategic Planning, and Program Development
Conducts research and analysis to support program planning, service development, and strategic initiatives.

• Collaborates with program leadership to identify priorities and conduct studies addressing service delivery challenges, emerging needs, and program opportunities.
• Researches national best practices, evidence-based models, and innovative approaches related to youth transition services and independent living programs.
• Evaluates partnership opportunities and service delivery approaches that may enhance PAL and Chafee programming.
• Assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating pilot projects, initiatives, and special programs designed to improve outcomes for older youth in foster care.
• Provides analytical support for strategic planning, program development, and decision-making activities.

Policy, Legislative, and Regulatory Analysis
Researches and analyzes legislation, regulations, policies, and emerging issues affecting transition-aged youth and foster care services.

• Reviews proposed and enacted state and federal legislation impacting PAL, Chafee, foster care, extended care, and transition-age youth services.
• Conducts policy and operational impact analyses and recommends changes necessary to align program operations with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Develops policy summaries, briefing materials, and comparison documents for leadership and stakeholders.
• Monitors federal guidance and regulatory changes related to Chafee-funded services, NYTD reporting, and youth transition programs.
• Provides recommendations to support compliance, program improvement, and effective policy implementation.

Organizational Effectiveness and Service Delivery Analysis
Conducts organizational studies and operational reviews to identify efficiencies and improve program performance.

• Conducts workload and organizational studies to evaluate staffing alignment, resource utilization, and service capacity.
• Reviews business processes and workflows to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Evaluates service delivery approaches, including contracted and non-contracted models, to assess effectiveness, cost efficiency, and alignment with program goals.
• Analyzes stakeholder feedback, performance measures, and program outcomes to support operational decision-making.
• Develops recommendations related to staffing, workflows, procedures, and organizational effectiveness.

Reporting, Technical Writing, and Executive Recommendations
Prepares technical reports, analyses, and recommendations to support leadership decision-making and program accountability.

• Develops comprehensive reports, presentations, strategic briefs, and program evaluations that summarize findings and recommendations.
• Synthesizes complex data, research, and stakeholder input into clear, actionable information for leadership and partners.
• Prepares internal and external reports related to PAL and Chafee performance, outcomes, and federal reporting requirements.
• Presents findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders to support policy, operational, and programmatic decisions.
• Maintains technical records and documentation related to research, evaluation, and program improvement activities.

Training, Technical Assistance, and Program Support
Develops resources and provides support to ensure consistent implementation of PAL and Chafee programs statewide.

• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, manuals, job aids, guidance documents, and training materials.
• Provides technical assistance, consultation, and training to DFPS staff, SSCC representatives, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Supports implementation of new policies, procedures, systems, and program initiatives through training and instructional support.
• Coordinates statewide surveys, data collection efforts, and special projects related to youth transition services and program improvement.
• Assists with onboarding and knowledge transfer activities to promote consistent program implementation.

Change Management and Industry Engagement
Supports organizational change efforts and identifies emerging trends and innovations that may benefit PAL and Chafee programs.

• Conducts readiness assessments for new initiatives, policy changes, and program improvements by gathering and analyzing stakeholder feedback and implementation data.
• Identifies barriers, resource needs, and implementation risks and provides recommendations to support successful change management efforts.
• Monitors national trends, research, technology, and best practices related to youth transition services, foster care, and independent living programs.
• Evaluates emerging strategies, tools, and program models for potential application within DFPS PAL and Chafee programs.
• Collaborates with state agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and national partners to identify opportunities that improve services and outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care.

Other Duties

• Performs related work as assigned.

Initial Screening Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminal justice, public administration, public policy, education, human services, or a closely related field.
• Experience in social work, child welfare, youth se