Associate Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

22h•$6,378 - $10,786•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Unit seeks an Associate Director (Director I) to lead the day-to-day operations of assigned FJDS activities and perform complex managerial work. Working with considerable latitude, initiative, and independent judgment, the Associate Director oversees the development, implementation, and administration of programs under this position’s team. The position requires strong leadership, communication, analytical, writing, and organizational skills, as well as close attention to detail. The Associate Director must maintain knowledge of recovery-oriented services, engagement practices, and service-delivery systems that support individuals in need of forensic and jail diversion services. The position also performs other duties as assigned. The Director I reports to the FJDS Director II and is located within the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services Division of the Behavioral Health Services Department.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, writing, and organizational skills, as well as close attention to detail.
Knowledge of recovery-oriented services, engagement practices, and service-delivery systems that support individuals in need of forensic and jail diversion services.
Knowledge of Forensic services
Knowledge of Jail diversion services
Knowledge of Behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services
Knowledge of Recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery as it has rolled out in Texas.
Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas.
Effective verbal communication and public speaking skills
Exceptional writing skills
Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues.
Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health services
Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.
Ability to quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines
Ability to develop complex, detailed implementation plans
Ability to lead team projects and delegate tasks appropriate to accomplish team objectives
Ability to develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices
Ability to develop materials for training and technical assistance events
Ability to lead cross-functional work groups
Ability to support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs
Ability to develop statewide rules for program policy
Ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders
Must reside in Texas or be willing to relocate to Texas before the hire date.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree is preferred.
Mental health professional licensure is preferred.
Experience within the forensic and jail diversion system is preferred.
Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.
Experience in direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services is preferred.
Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.

Responsibilities

Supervising, developing, and supporting personnel
Leading strategic planning for program services
Designing and implementing programs in response to funding and legislative requirements
Overseeing quality management and improvement activities
Preparing and submitting reports, documents, and responses to requests for information
Researching and developing statewide and pilot programs based on evidence-based practices
Developing legislative appropriations requests and analyzing legislative and policy proposals
Providing testimony to legislative and other governmental bodies, as requested
Writing grant applications
Representing the division before stakeholder organizations and interagency and intra-agency workgroups
Manages and oversees the activities of a complex unit with highly specialized personnel responsible for strategic planning, policy, program and rule development, and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operation of CRP.
Manages and develops staff through performance data review, consultation, training, and performance appraisal.
Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave.
Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the CRP team.
Directs the overall necessary design and planning, implementation, coordination, collaboration, and evaluation of assigned policies and programs and evaluation of forensic and jail diversion behavioral health statewide service delivery systems.
Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities, strategic planning, and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and the Behavioral Health Services division.
Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies.
Researches, plans, designs, implements, and administers programs and initiatives to meet division objectives, including programs with multiple funding streams and large budgets.
Works with other divisional units, state agencies and stakeholders.
Reviews and evaluates the impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives.
Reports to supervisor regarding budget impact of changes to policy or business operations.
Reports to supervisor on issues related to ongoing federal approval of programs, including reports, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback.
Oversees the quality of multiple forensic and jail diversion programs through monitoring and evaluation.
Facilitates strategic routine and targeted technical assistance plans to ensure quality management and improvement.
Ensures proper documentation of program staff’s oversight efforts, including onsite and desk review, by developing and implementing effective reporting and documentation guidelines and processes.
Supports the evaluation and critical thinking of the unit to aid in problem-solving and support program goals, objectives, and system requirements.
Represents unit by making presentations, providing information, and collaborating with other divisional units and state partners.
Responds to requests by public officials and other stakeholder groups through the Section Directors and Associate Commissioner.
Oversees all program business functions, including contracting, finance, data, communications, policy, etc.
Ensures timely submission of all assigned deliverables, requests for information, and planning exercises.
Verifies reports and submissions are written in a manner appropriate for the audience, vetted with necessary approvers, accurate and complete, and of overall high quality.
Performs other duties as assigned.