Senior Advisor to the Associate Commissioner of Mental Health Programs

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Advisor reports to the Associate Commissioner (AC) of Mental Health Programs (MHP) in Behavioral Health Services (BHS) and performs highly advanced, senior-level coordination, project management, implementation, and technical assistance work related to the Mental Health Programs area of BHS. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position directly assists the AC in the daily activities and operations of the MHP area and works alongside the AC and the Deputy Associate Commissioners (DACs) to establish and implement department goals, successfully execute tasks and deliverables on time, and conduct objectives and activities for MHP consistent with the BHS and HHSC strategic plans and the Statewide Behavioral Health Strategic Plan. This person is responsible for leading special projects, interpreting state and federal laws, managing MHP internal procedures, working with internal and external stakeholders, and assisting the Associate Commissioner in ensuring work product quality and division-wide success. The Senior Advisor is informed on and may assist with the statewide mental health service system including program practices, program design and implementation, and oversight of programs. Works with MHP staff to set schedules and priorities. Develops standards for program deliverables and provides staff with written guidelines and training. Uses quality assurance processes to optimize quality and ensure accuracy of work deliverables.
This position may prepare reports, studies, and specialized research projects and assists in the development and quality assurance review of program policy and procedure manuals, guides, and forms. Develops and coordinates the collection and organization of briefing documents, correspondence, bill analyses and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Prepares materials in response to external requests for program information and reports. Responds to legislative correspondence and requests ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Meets with fiscal and budget staff to provide guidance and input in assessing the fiscal impact of proposed policy changes. Represents MHP on external councils, committees, or work groups as needed.

Requirements

• Knowledge of public mental health systems, including program design, service delivery models, funding structures and oversight mechanisms
• Knowledge of state programs and processes for mental health services
• Knowledge of operating contract-based mental health programs.
• Knowledge of business processes and organizational hierarchies
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements governing mental health programs
• Knowledge of the State of Texas procurement processes
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability systems
• Skill in project management, including coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and tracking deliverables.
• Skill in executive-level writing and editing with the ability to produce and refine briefing documents, policy analyses, and legislative responses
• Skill in strategic communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to executive leadership
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in organization, including prioritization in a fast-paced executive environment
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on complex and sensitive work issues
• 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 build collaborative relationships across internal divisions and external partners
• Ability to lead in an environment of change
• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Ability to advise executive leadership effectively including presenting balanced options and clear recommendations
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required.
• Three years of experience in behavioral health, healthcare administration, public policy or related governmental programs required.

Responsibilities

• Provides high-level advisory support to the Associate Commissioner on division-wide priorities, initiatives, and operational matters.
• Leads and coordinates special projects and cross-functional initiatives; ensures timely completion of deliverables, monitors progress, identifies risks, and implements additional actions as needed for successful project implementation and completion.
• Reviews division-wide documents, reports, legislative responses, briefing materials, and correspondence for clarity, accuracy, consistency, and strategic alignment; ensures high-quality standards across work products.
• Assists in setting division priorities, tracking deadlines, and aligning staff activities with strategic objectives; supports coordination across the Associate Commissioner’s direct reports and program areas under the MHP AC.
• Reviews performance metrics, compliance data and operational reports to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Evaluates existing procedures and workflows; recommends and implements improvements to enhance efficiency, accountability, and quality across the division.
• Represents the division in internal and external meetings, councils, committees, and workgroups as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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