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: Senior Java Developer
Job Title: Programmer IV
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: Software Development Res-Op
Posting Number: 15579
Closing Date: 10/05/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $10,785.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
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: 0673,2652,8846,8848,16KX,181X,182X,255A,255S,25B,26B,62E,681X,682X,781X,782X,8K000,CT,CTR,CWT,CYB10
CYB11,ISM,IT,Z Prefix
Brief Job Description:
performs advanced (senior-level) computer programming work and serves as the Technical Lead in one or more projects to organize and review the work of other programmers. Work involves overseeing programming projects; analyzing proposed applications; and designing software solutions. Performs highly complex development work to oversee, analyze, design, develop, modify, test, implement and maintain applications. Works closely with the Application Development team, the Project Management team, and the DFPS Business Areas to develop and deliver world class applications. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
(35%) Performs advanced (senior-level) computer programming work.
Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Employees at this level may fully perform highly complex programming work and may coordinate and/or perform highly complex coding, testing, and debugging of applications, as outlined by system requirements.
-
Analyzes users’ needs; designs, tests, and develops software to meet those needs.
-
Develops routine code and debugs software.
-
Analyzes proposed applications for equipment requirements and capabilities.
-
Analyzes, reviews, and revises software to increase operating efficiency or to adapt to new procedures.
-
Compiles and documents procedures used throughout software development and revision.
-
Prepares detailed workflow charts and diagrams that describe input, output, and logical operation and converts them into a series of instructions coded in a programming language.
-
Performs related work as assigned.
(35%) Collaborates with Application Development, DevOps, Project Management and Agency Program teams in the execution of enterprise level strategies and technical direction.
-
Communicate with management and other team members in a timely and effective manner.
-
Participates in project planning and project management activities to transform business requirements into technical requirements and specifications to carry out software development.
-
Performs code reviews, unit testing, integration testing, continuous integration, and continuous deployment.
-
Participates in release management activities and monitors progress of release status for team.
-
Oversees studies and the preparation of reports that include study findings, recommendations, and instructions for proposed system implementations.
(25%) Provides technical leadership on projects and agency initiatives related to programming activities and may act as technical team lead to mentor junior level staff
-
Identifies, investigates, and resolves production problems in a timely manner.
-
Overseas and provides guidance in troubleshooting and solving problems relating to computer applications or systems.
-
Participates in peer-code walk-throughs, ensures project schedules are met, and participates in project technical and functional design.
-
Formulates logical descriptions of problems and devises optimum solutions.
-
Coordinates and/or performs the research and analysis required for project proposals, software and systems modifications, and new projects.
(5%) Adheres to all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services HR policies and performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of: the principles, practices, and techniques of programming and systems analysis; computer operations procedures and systems; and computer programming languages.
- Advanced Knowledge of Java Platform development.
- Strong governance and drive towards promotion of code best practices.
- Fluency in Web Service Standards such as XML, REST, Strong understanding of RDBMS
- Knowledge of established and modern design patterns and application design.
- Knowledge of object-oriented analysis and design.
- Knowledge of both Waterfall and Agile development environment.
- Knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and development standards including programming standards, documentation standards, and testing standards to ensure the quality and maintainability of one or more applications.
- Knowledge of DevOps tools (Jira, Bitbucket) and processes.
- Knowledge of public/private/hybrid cloud technologies.
Skills in: problem solving, critical thinking, computer programming, the use of hardware and software, and modifying or developing software for applications.
Ability to: process information logically; to design programs and systems logic; to prepare program specifications; to code, test, and debug software; to interpret technical information related to programming and other areas of data processing; and to communicate effectively.
- Ability to work on relational databases and with PL/SQL components.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to any level of the organization in a clear and concise manner.
- Ability to develop and guide integration and unit testing.
- Ability to lead the developers on project activities and project teams.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office productivity tools (Word, Excel, Visio, and Project) for completing requirements, design, project tracking and other documentation.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Administration (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field is required. Work experience as a Java or Angular Developer may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
- At least five (5) years’ IT experience in software development.
- At least three (3) years leading in software development projects.
- Experience in one or more areas: System Engineering, Application Development with Java/.NET/Middleware, Data Intelligence, Infrastructure Services, or Database.
- Experience with Agile.
Additional Information: Applicants from outside Texas must be willing to relocate within 30 days of hire and must be willing to work at the Austin office when required.
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 [email protected] 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.
