Associate Director

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

With extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement, directly oversees the program development, implementation, and administration of Behavioral Health Crisis Services
programs and initiatives in the Crisis Services Unit, serving
individuals with mental health needs. Performs complex managerial work leading the day-to-day
operations of statewide Crisis Services programs and initiatives. Responsibilities include: personnel
management; development and coordination of strategic planning related to Crisis Services programs
and initiatives; development and monitoring of program policies and procedures, rules, and standards
or care; design and implementation of the aforementioned program in response to funding and
legislative requirements; research and development of statewide or pilot programming in conjunction
with evidence-based best practices; development of legislative appropriations requests; providing
testimony to legislative and other bodies as requested; grant writing; prompt response to requests for
information, and serving as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations,
inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations or agencies as requested.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Behavioral Health Crisis Services Initiatives;
• Knowledge of: State programs and processes for mental health services;
• Knowledge of: Business processes and organizational hierarchies;
• Knowledge of: State and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements for Mental Health and Medicaid services;
• Knowledge of: The State of Texas procurement processes;
• Knowledge of: Texas legislative process and public accountability systems.
• Skill in: Project management;
• Skill in: Request for Proposal (RFP) development;
• Skill in: Writing complex program, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Skill in: Managing multiple and competing priorities;
• Skill in: Communication and public speaking.
• Ability to: Provide direction, oversight and management of professional staff;
• Ability to: Present information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing;
• Ability to: Explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups;
• Ability to: Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions;
• Ability to: Develop and implement effective customer service systems;
• Ability to: Lead in an environment of change;
• Ability to: Think creatively and support creative thinking in others;
• Ability to: Establish goals and objectives;
• Ability to: Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.
• Bachelor's Degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, human services, public affairs or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree preferred in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, human services, public affairs or a related field.
• Experience in the direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services preferred.
• Supervisory or managerial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages and oversees the activities of Crisis Services initiatives/programs of the Crisis Services Unit. Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy, program and rule development and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operations. This includes oversight of the procurement process to include grant writing and contract oversight for service delivery and administrative functions. Research and develop statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based practices. Oversees completion of program monitoring and evaluation including quality management and quality improvement. May oversee the biannual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review (25%).
• In collaboration with the Crisis Services Director, provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Crisis Services initiatives. Design program and implementation in response to funding and legislative requirements. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities and strategic planning and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and IDD-BHS division. Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies (20%).
• In collaboration with the Crisis Services Director, researches, plans, designs, implements, and administers program and initiatives to meet program and unit objectives. Reviews and evaluates 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 reporting, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback (20%).
• Represents program by making presentations, providing information, and collaborating with other programs, divisional units, state partners, and other stakeholders. Responds to requests by public officials, through the Crisis Services Director, Deputy Associate Commissioner, and Associate Commissioner. Provide testimony to legislative and other bodies as requested. Serve as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations as requested (20%).
• Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave (10%).
• Performs other duties as assigned (5%).

Benefits

• Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director