Deputy Commissioner for Operations

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits:

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

The Deputy Commissioner for Operations performs advanced managerial work providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Program Operations Division. This position is a member of the executive team and serves as the agency point of contact for the coordination of administrative support services provided by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). 

The Deputy Commissioner provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to support programs and services in the Division, plans for future operation’s needs, and resolves problems in the areas of information technology, facilities management, workforce planning and strategy, and contract management. 

Responsibilities include leading information technology operations, managing procurement and contracts, developing and implementing operational plans and policies, monitoring performance, conducting executive level reporting and presentations, ensuring resources are acquired and implemented, project management and analyses, and quality management initiatives.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Division’s operations functions and provides information, counsel, and support to executives and managers on operations and support issues. (20%)

EJF 2: Directs major operational initiatives and serves as lead in the resolution for problems and for coordination with executive staff and HHSC administrative support services. Plans and coordinates department facility needs including management of leased spaces, facility maintenance and renovation, and major construction projects. (25%)

EJF 3: Directs the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Division. Assesses and organizes the operations and support functions, analyzes performance, reviews audit results, conducts research studies, forecasts, modeling and other evaluations. Supervises managers and staff, conducts hiring, assigns work, completes performance evaluations, recommends personnel and disciplinary actions, and schedules and approves leave. (20%)

EJF 4: Develops and maintains an organizational structure that supports the needs of the department. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines and monitors compliance. Assists with development of the Division budget and efficiently administers the budget to ensure programs and services are supported. Assists the executive team in the Legislative Appropriations Request process. (15%)

EJF 5: Represents the Division with various state and federal agencies, external committees, and others regarding the operations. Makes presentations, attends work groups and committee meetings, and provides information and testimony as needed. (15%)

EJF 6: Other duties as assigned including actively participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response or Continuity of Operations which may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles of leadership; IT concepts and processes; strategic planning, budget processes, cost recovery, and financial and contract management; state agency operations, state government legal processes, and the Texas legislative process; contract lifecycle management.

Skill in planning, executing, and evaluating complex programs, policies, procedures; problem solving; management of time, people, and resources; leadership, communication, and public speaking; and working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Ability to develop, implement, and communicate an organizational vision; integrate key goals, priorities, and values; promote and support creative thinking; lead, implement, and balance change and continuity; use technology to enhance decision making; negotiate; make timely and effective decisions and produce results.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), Project Management Professional certification or Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required.

2. Eight years of full-time supervisory experience at a government agency.

3. Experience managing procurement and contracts.

4. Experience in IT operations.

5. Work experience at the executive-level is preferred.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form