Transition Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (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: Program Manager for Case Management Transition Job Title: Director III Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: Deputy Commissioner of Program Posting Number: 14144 Closing Date: 08/26/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $7,716.66- $13,051.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-28 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Telework: Travel: Up to 15% 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
The Program Manager for DFPS Programs (Director III) performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic planning and execution of projects for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The primary focus of the position is to provide oversight and management of the agency's transition to a new IT case management system to facilitate transformation of casework practice. The position will work with, represent and coordinate efforts of DFPS program areas, including Statewide Intake, Child Protective Services, Child Protective Investigations, Adult Protective Services, and external partners.
This position will report to the Deputy Commissioner of Child and Family Programs. This position will also work closely with and report progress on the portfolio of projects to the Program Manager within the DFPS Information Technology Services Division.
Work involves managing complex projects and program assigned tasks, in addition to managing and monitoring: project health, project status, organization change management activities, and communications. The position is responsible for 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 and business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions. The position directs the work of others, while working under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages program level tasks for large-scale complex projects, and monitors: project health, project status, organization change management activities, and communications.
• Directs scope of work, evaluation criteria, deliverables, performance measures, schedules, and milestones to support assigned projects and initiatives.
• Directs managers and staff so that work is completed timely and projects are implemented to meet identified deliverables, objectives, and comply with applicable federal, state, and agency policies.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with other DFPS programs, including DFPS ITS, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinates work with DFPS programs, partner agencies, external stakeholders, and vendors.
• Ensures agency policy, standards and procedures are followed.
• Reviews guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations, and monitors compliance.
• Manages expenditures to ensure budget allocation is not exceeded and in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews and approves management, productivity, and financial reports and studies.
• Promotes compliance with federal and state law and agency policies regarding information resources and sensitive and confidential information.
• Represents the agency at division meetings, advisory groups, business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, and seminars, panels, and committees.
• Plans, organizes, and facilitates internal and external meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and workgroups for the purpose of strengthening information technology systems.
• Responses to legislative inquiries and participates in the development of appropriation requests.
• Plans, develops, and approves schedules, priorities, and standards for projects.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and operational expertise of DFPS programs and processes.
• Knowledge and operational expertise related to the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Knowledge of IT environments in state agencies or universities.
• Skill in project planning, monitoring, coordination, and results measurement.
• Skill in problem root cause analysis and negotiating problem resolution.
• Skill in developing and delivering effective presentations, leading and leading meetings in both formal and informal settings.
• Ability to analyze and interpret program and technical information including regulations, policies, and business rules to aid in goal and priority setting.
• Ability to identify, develop, implement, monitor, and report quality organizational metrics.
• Ability to evaluate, document findings and improvement recommendations for organizational processes, project documentation, and deliverables.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, and develop recommendations for improving business operations and processes.

• Ability to manage program activities, to establish goals and objectives; to analyze complex information, and to report required action items to program leadership.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, execute, monitor, and evaluate goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to any level of the organization in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to lead and manage teams, work independently and as part of a team.

REGISTRATIONS, LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS:
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred.
Initial Selection Criteria:
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in social services, computer science, business administration, public administration, or related field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Three years of experience working on complex projects or initiatives. Experience must be progressive and demonstrate development and management of large scale, complex projects or initiatives.
• Three years of supervisory experience required.
• Experience in child welfare required.
Other Information:
• DFPS experience preferred.
• Experience working on information technology (IT) projects preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred.
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.