Associate Director, Permanency

Position: Associate Director, Permanency Comparable DFPS Position: No DFPS Equivalent Classification: Full-time, Exempt Reports to: Director, Permanency Company: Texans Together Location: Regions 6a and/or 6b (Specific work locations will be assigned and communicated as staffing plans are finalized) Position Description: The Associate Director, Permanency provides strategic and operational leadership for key placement, permanency, family connection, and assessment functions within Texans Together Community Based Care. This position oversees Intake & Placement, Child Watch & Placement Support, Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE), Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS), Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC), and Family Finding. Working in partnership with the Director, Permanency, the Associate Director ensures these functions operate as an integrated system focused on timely and stable placements, family connections, child well-being, and permanency outcomes. The position provides continuity of leadership and operational direction while evaluating and improving systems, processes, partnerships, and performance. The Associate Director ensures compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, agency policies, contractual obligations, Community Based Care expectations, and Texas Child-Centered Care principles while promoting family-centered, evidence-informed practices that support safe, stable, connected, and permanent outcomes for children and families. Primary Responsibilities: Provide strategic and operational leadership for Intake & Placement, Child Watch & Placement Support, TARE, CANS, ICPC, and Family Finding programsOversee integrated service delivery to strengthen placement stability, family connections, adoption recruitment, and permanency outcomesLead strategies to address complex placement needs, reduce placement disruptions, and improve child- and family-centered servicesEvaluate program performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirementsSupervise and develop program managers and leaders, promoting accountability, collaboration, and operational effectivenessCollaborate with DFPS, caregivers, providers, and community partners to strengthen placement resources and permanency outcomesLead process improvements and innovative strategies to enhance service coordination, program efficiency, and outcomes for children and familiesServe as a key operational partner to the Director of Permanency, providing leadership, consultation, and decision-making support Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or closely related field. Relevant experience considered in lieu of education requirementEight (8) years’ professional experience in child welfare, social services, behavioral health, or a related human services fieldFour (4) years’ management or supervisory experience, preferably managing multiple programs, teams, or operational functions Preferred Qualifications: Experience in Community Based Care, Texas Child Centered Care, or a similar child welfare systemExperience with placement, permanency, family finding, adoption, kinship care, or related child welfare functionsExperience leading organizational change, process improvement, or system transformation Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated knowledge of child welfare practice, permanency planning, foster care, placement, adoption, kinship care, and family engagementKnowledge of federal and state child welfare laws, regulations, and applicable court proceduresKnowledge of Community Based Care and Texas Child Centered CareKnowledge of placement resources, placement matching, placement stability, and caregiver support strategiesUnderstanding of family finding and family connection practicesUnderstanding of adoption recruitment and permanency strategiesFamiliarity with CANS and the use of assessment information to inform service and placement decisionsFamiliarity with ICPC processes and interstate placement requirementsDemonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and proceduresDemonstrated ability to use data to drive operational and strategic decisionsAbility to translate organizational goals into clear expectations and measurable outcomesAbility to manage multiple programs and competing priorities simultaneouslyStrong problem-solving and decision-making skillsAbility to lead through ambiguity, organizational change, and complex system conditionsAbility to build trust and productive relationships across organizational boundariesStrong written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skillsAbility to work effectively in complex, high-risk, and high-profile situationsDemonstrated ability to coach, develop, and hold leaders accountableAbility to identify systemic barriers and develop practical solutionsAbility to balance regulatory and contractual requirements with individualized, child- and family-centered practice Work Conditions: Environment: Office-basedConditions: Frequent interaction with children, families, stakeholders, providers, and governmental agencies. Work may involve emotionally challenging, crisis-oriented, or high-stress situationsWork Schedule: Monday through Friday during standard business hoursTravel: Frequent - Regular travel across Harris County and the 12- county service region. Reliable transportation required DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace. DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation. Powered by JazzHR bJ0kqVDY0w