Senior Director of Permanency

Description

Position Function: 

Responsible for the development, management, and evaluation of program services, guidelines, procedures, policies, activities, and budget information. This position works with communities, elected officials, administrative staff in other agencies providing services to abused and neglected children and their families, judicial, legal, and law enforcement personnel, medical and treatment professionals, fiscal, human resources, business management, audit division, and government relations. This position interacts routinely with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) staff, including State Office CPS Division, regional management team, regional and local child protective services boards, and other stakeholders. This position is responsible for the Permanency Program in OCOK Northeast (3E) Region (Collin, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman and Navarro Counties).

Working Conditions: 

Position includes interaction with parents, guardians, and conservators as well as to youth with behavioral problems, including possible physical aggression. A personal vehicle is required for travel.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

The Senior Director of Permanency will have access to confidential records including youth files, foster care and adoption records, and foster parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel records and client records.
 

Knowledge/Skills Abilities

· Extensive knowledge of child welfare practices, permanency planning, family preservation, foster care, and related regulatory requirements.

· Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.

· Advanced ability to analyze complex situations and make sound decisions in high-pressure environments.

· Expertise in program management, quality improvement, and outcome measurement.

· Strong fiscal management and budget oversight skills.

· Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.

· Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.

· Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and family-centered practice.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

· Develop and implement strategic plans that support organizational goals, permanency outcomes, and service excellence across multiple service regions.

· Collaborate with executive leadership to establish priorities, evaluate performance, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

· Lead cross-functional projects and initiatives that improve organizational effectiveness, client outcomes, and service delivery.

· Analyze trends, performance metrics, and community needs to inform decision-making and resource allocation.

· Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and data-informed practice.

Program and Operational Oversight

· Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to Permanency Directors responsible for county-based operations.

· Ensure permanency programs are effectively managed and operate in compliance with agency policies, state regulations, contractual obligations, and child welfare best practices.

· Monitor program outcomes and establish corrective action plans when performance standards are not met.

· Support the resolution of complex case management issues and provide guidance on high-risk child welfare decisions.

· Ensure consistent implementation of permanency practices across service areas.

Fiscal and Resource Management

· Develop, monitor, and manage departmental budgets across multiple counties.

· Ensure programs operate within approved budgets while maintaining service quality and achieving organizational goals.

· Review financial reports and identify opportunities for cost containment, operational efficiencies, and resource optimization.

· Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, resource allocation, and fiscal forecasting.

Workforce Leadership

· Ensure departments maintain appropriate staffing levels to meet service demands and contractual requirements.

· Lead recruitment, retention, succession planning, and talent development efforts for permanency leadership teams.

· Foster employee engagement and professional development through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development.

· Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and employee well-being.

Community and External Relations

· Serve as a primary organizational representative with community stakeholders, government agencies, courts, schools, service providers, funders, and advocacy organizations.

· Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance services and support positive outcomes for children and families.

· Represent the organization at executive-level meetings, public forums, advisory boards, and community events.

· Advocate for policies, practices, and resources that strengthen child welfare and permanency services.

· Cultivate collaborative relationships that support organizational initiatives and strategic priorities.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

· Ensure adherence to all applicable federal, state, local, and agency requirements.

· Partner with quality improvement teams to monitor program performance and implement data-driven improvements.

· Support audits, reviews, licensing activities, and contract compliance processes.

· Identify and mitigate organizational, operational, and programmatic risks.

Decision-Making Authority

· Exercises substantial independent judgment in resolving complex child welfare, operational, staffing, financial, and organizational issues.

· Provides consultation and final recommendations regarding high-risk permanency cases, service delivery concerns, and program operations.

· Makes decisions that significantly impact organizational performance, service outcomes, and community partnerships.

Requirements

Education: A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. 

Experience: Five years full-time consultative, supervisory, managerial, social service, professional, or the technical work that must include: analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect and interpretation of complex written material; or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved, including complex written material or DFPS experience. 

Functional: In depth knowledge in the area of Ongoing Services to families. Knowledge of program planning and implementation. Knowledge of agency policies, procedures, and regulations. Skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Skills in effective verbal and written communication. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports. Ability to develop and analyze special projects. Ability to supervise the work of others. Ability to manage program activities, establish goals, and objectives and devise solutions to administrative problems. Ability to travel locally and within the region. Travel is required 75% of the time.