Assistant Director of Program

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

About The Position

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you! The Director IV, Assistant Director of Programs (ADOP), performs highly advanced managerial work establishing the strategic plan for and guiding, directing, and overseeing the daily operations and activities of the residential programs and services division of the State Supported Living Center (SSLC) in accordance with operational standards set out by HHSC and the SSLC division. SSLCs provide 24-hour residential services, comprehensive behavioral treatment services and health care services, including physician services, nursing services, and dental services. Other services include skills training; occupational, physical and speech therapies, vocational programs, and services to maintain connections between residents and their families and natural support systems. Administers and directs all residential programs and services provided by direct support professionals, all day program services including both in-home and out-of-home skill acquisition programs, clinical services in the areas of psychology/behavioral services, habilitation therapies, and services provided by Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPs). Supports and executes the strategic vision of the SSLC Director. Establishes the goals and objectives for each of the departments within the residential programs and services division to align with that vision. Develops and ensures the implementation of operational policies and procedures. Establishes priorities for department managers. Directs and assists managers to operate their departments effectively to meet established goals and objectives, support resident needs, ensure a safe and homelike environment. Establishes the standards and measurement tools to evaluate progress toward meeting goals and objectives using available data. Directs the development and implementation of corrective action plans and quality improvement plans and evaluates progress. Directs and oversees the hiring, training, and work of the staff within the assigned departments. Oversees and directs the processes and procedures for appropriate handling of personnel issues to ensure fair and accountable working conditions for employees. Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives as a member of the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Council and the Executive Team. Serves on and/or directs the work of committees and workgroups. Establishes the strategic plan with which the facility is assured to maintain compliance with the conditions of participation for Intermediate Care Facilities/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) and achieve substantial compliance with the provisions within the Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Strategically communicates information and responds to requests for information for external sources. Serve as a designee in the absence of the Director and in the Executive/Administrator on-call rotation. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to the program area to include Intermediate Care Facilities/Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), Texas Administrative Code (TAC), HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, and the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement.
Knowledge of and experience in ensuring the provision of quality services, treatment, training and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of and experience leading and supervising large numbers of employees.
Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
Knowledge of provider services operations within State Supported Living Centers and HHSC services including the Agency's strategic plan, policies, ICF-IID standards, programs, and critical issues.
Knowledge of and experience in the development and implementation of an operational plan for a large organization.
Ability to and experience in developing effective partnerships with family members, advocacy groups, professional organizations, and the general public.
Ability to and experience in developing and deploying policies to govern the operation of an organization.
Ability to represent the agency before various groups and to work effectively with state and local officials and community leaders, and the media.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word.
Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and to make effective decisions affecting the overall operation of a large organization.
Ability to use of computers and agency/facility software including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Skill in developing and implementing innovative services or programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.
Skill in developing goals and objectives for service delivery in a residential setting.
Skill in developing effective partnerships with staff, consumers and their families, advocacy groups, state and federal agencies, professional associations, and the public.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and
At least four (4) years of management experience in a residential facility serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities or providing healthcare or mental health services.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university; and
At least two (2) years of management experience in a residential facility serving persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities or providing healthcare or mental health services.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the development and implementation of an operational plan for a large organization or department.
Experience in ensuring the provision of quality services, treatment, training and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Experience developing and deploying policies to govern the operation of an organization or department.
Experience managing multiple departments.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. [May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.]
Serve as a designee in the absence of the Director and serve as an Administrative Officer on Call/Duty in rotation with other administrative staff.
Directs and oversees the organization, operation and business functions of the residential programs and services division within the SSLC so that it functions efficiently and effectively and executes the SSLC Director’s goals and vision for the SSLC. Establishes a strategic plan for the division in accordance with operational standards set out by HHSC and the SSLC division. Guides, directs, and oversees daily operations and activities to ensure 24/7 programs and services. Develops and ensures the implementation of operational policies, procedures, and guidelines which govern the daily operations of the SSLC, encompassing those impacting staff such as dress code and cell phone usage to those governing and providing active treatment, behavioral health services, and habilitation therapies. Oversees compliance monitoring efforts using available tools such as camera auditing and compliance/auditing forms. Maintains a physical presence on the facility grounds, assessing the quality of supports and services being provided, and modeling appropriate interaction with staff and SSLC residents. Provides feedback to managers for their action.
Provides leadership and strategic direction to assigned areas. Develops and implements and oversees processes that facilitate accountability, collaboration, and integration. Establishes the goals and objectives for each of the departments within the residential programs and services division to align with the SSLC Director’s vision and to ensure all residential program and services conform to the conditions of participation for the facility as an Intermediate Care Facility Serving Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID), the terms of the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor, and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Develops and oversees standards for achieving the established goals including short and long-term planning in areas such as staff recruitment, retention and development, active treatment services, resident safety, and staff morale. Directs collaboration between unit managers, and the staff development and retention specialist to identify and implement effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and staff development. Directs collaboration between unit managers and the training department staff to ensure the division has an adequate, well-trained, and competent work force including specific staff competencies necessary to support the population served by the facility and optimize safety.
Directs and oversees the work of the SSLC residential programs and services management team which typically includes the Director of Residential Services (DRS), the Director of Behavioral Health Services, the Director of Habilitation Therapies, and the QIDP Coordinator. Directly or indirectly supervises other program areas such as admissions and placement, campus coordination, vocational day programs and services, work centers, and recreational programming, depending upon SSLC structure. Performs managerial functions including hiring, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and oversees the work performed by other managers within the department. Uses leadership and teambuilding skills to motivate staff in multiple departments, and with sometimes competing priorities, to work toward common objectives and goals. Oversees allocation of staff resources, providing oversight to managers on adjusting staffing assignments to homes/units/shifts based on current needs. Directs and oversees managers to coordinate closely with nursing services and medical services staff.
Oversees the implementation of tools which monitor program services and activities such as staff engagement with residents, active treatment, and proper mealtime protocols. Takes actions based on results, including revising monitoring tools when necessary. Oversees implementation of the ‘Buddy Home” system to evaluate general functioning of individual homes and staff strengths and needs. Makes recommendations to the SSLC Director and Assistant Director of Administration (ADOA) regarding the need for staffing structure and/or training/development changes based on the changing needs of the residents served and workforce trends.
Develops and oversees processes for evaluating progress toward achieving goals and sets priorities. Uses data to provide feedback on performance and drive decision making. Directs the development and implementation of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) including overseeing the establishment of goals and objectives for the plans, developing and approving schedules for work completion, setting priorities, and standards for achieving goals. Directs CAP and QIP evaluation activities. Collaborates with the incident and risk management staff to ensure the facility maintains an effective incident management program that ensures the health, safety, and welfare of all residents. Directs a plan for continuous decrease in unusual incidents including injuries sustained by persons served and confirmed allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Oversees preparation of reviews and analyzes required reports such as daily shift reports, mealtime coordination reports, weight change reports, on/off campus outing reports, and monthly reports on the status of corrective action and quality improvement initiatives. Analyzes Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) to ensure all pertinent information is present and accurate for review by HHSC - Provider Investigations (HHSC-PI). Oversees the preparation of all departmental reports before submission to Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QA/QI) council to ensure adequacy and usefulness of information. Analyzes staffing reports such as active employee/terminations reports, employee fill and turnover reports, and overtime reports to assess turnover, retention, use of overtime, and takes action to improve these areas.
Oversees preparation for and responds to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual certification survey and regulatory audits. Reviews audit reports for citations and provides guidance and oversight to managers to prepare and implement a Plan of Correction (POC) to correct any citations. Review reports from DOJ for progress toward compliance with indicators. Reviews special investigations involving staff where Abuse, Neglect and/or Exploitation (ANE) is asserted. Uses information contained to address both personnel and system issues and guides future CAPs and QIPs.
Responds to requests for information and participates in strategic communication efforts. Provides requested information to SSLC Director for incorporation into Agency documentation exceptional item request/Legislative Appropriation requests (LAR). Responds to Open Record Requests and legislative inquiries. Works closely with attorneys at state office to ensure compliance with issues involving Disability Right Texas (DRTX). Crafts and/or oversees written messages for internal and external communication efforts such as those that communicate changes to expectations or new policies and procedures. Oversees the system to ensure the resident’s family members and/or LARs and all other required entities are notified of serious events timely and accurately. Presents information effectively, both in spoken and written word.
Oversees budget expenditures such as purchases to support skills acquisition programs and active treatment engagement. Approves all ProCard purchases made by the departmental card holder over the established threshold. Works with the Assistant Director of Administration (ADOA) on special projects aimed at increasing or improving programs and services.
Represents the agency before various groups and works effectively with state and local officials, community leaders, and the media. Represents the agency at staff grievance hearings and serves as a contact for the Office of the Independent Ombudsman (OIO) for any identified issues. Serves as a subject matter expert in investigations conducted by HHSC-PI. Presents information and represents the SSLC at Volunteer Service Council and Parent/Guardian meetings. Represents the SSLC at court commitment hearings for new admissions. Directs processes which oversee the admission and discharge of residents in compliance with all federal, state and facility-specific laws, rules, and regulations, and ensure that the civil rights of residents of the center are protected. Serves as a member of the SSLC Executive Management Team. Serves on and/or directs the work of committees and workgroups including Executive Management Team, QA/QI council, Incident Management Review, Administrative Review Team, Critical Incident Team, other special projects, and committees as assigned. Promotes positive working relationships with outside agencies such as Provider Investigations (PI), Office of Inspector General (OIG), Local Intellectual & Developmental Disability Authority (LIDDA), and with other SSLC departments.
Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

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.

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