Program Supervisor II - Assistant Director of Vocational Services

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.

Functional Title: Program Supervisor II - Assistant Director of Vocational Services 
Job Title: Program Supervisor II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Vocational Serv Administration 
Posting Number: 10015 
Closing Date: 12/07/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location: Abilene State Supported Living Center 
Job Location City: ABILENE 
Job Location Address: 2501 MAPLE ST 
Other Locations: Abilene 
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0370,0520,0602,0802,1802,1803,2340,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,7502,8005,8858 
9702,16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,BOSN,ELC,ISS,MAT,MED,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MS 
SR,OSS,WEPS 
 

Brief Job Description:

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 Vocational Services Assistant Director works under the Vocational Director and performs routine level administrative and supervisory work, coordinating all vocational programs and services for the individuals residing at the State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Develop guidelines, procedures, and program goals for vocational programs and services.  Ensures that the programs are in compliance with the Department of Labor’s guidelines and other relevant standards, assuring staff training, and assuring work and training material availability. Monitors availability of staff, ensuring proper coverage and deployment to meet the needs of the individuals served. Establishes collaborative priorities and standards for individuals to achieve program goals.  Assists in evaluating program activities to ensure they meet the needs of individuals.  Supervises staff in the vocational department, such as Therapy Technicians and administrative staff.  Develops new ideas and techniques for vocational programs and services using creativity and innovation.  Accountable for assigned property and completes yearly property reports. Oversee weekly client payroll, assists in preparing budget requests, and maintains required staff coverage.  Works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Works a flexible 8-hour shift to facilitate after hour, holiday and weekend observation of vocational services and to conduct meetings and training.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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.

Develops, establishes, and evaluates vocational programs and services in collaboration with the supervisor. Writes procedures and manuals to enhance program implementation and effectiveness. Assists in developing the budget, the schedule, and offerings for vocational programs such that meets the needs of the SSLC operations and the individuals being served.

Provides professional oversight for the vocational program workshops and community employment.  Works to expand vocational opportunities on and off-site of the SSLC.  Assist with solutions to administrative problems with clearly established goal and objectives for plans of correction.

Ensures a well-trained and competent workforce.  Hires, trains, coaches and evaluate staff performance.  Facilitates and/or participates in meetings to ensure positive communication. Perform new employee orientation.  Oversees staff to ensure proper daily coverage at the workshops. Develop and implement systems and procedures for maintaining high standards, uniformity, and consistency in the quality of work performed by staff.

Participate in the interdisciplinary team process as needed; including but not limited to providing information regarding the results of functional skills assessment or related assessments and respond to interventions as well as the results of monitoring and staff training efforts. As needed will attend annual ISP meetings for individuals in the program and when requested by the IDT. Monitors the collection and completion of data related to treatment plans in order to accurately assess individual’s progress. Evaluates and responds to requests for vocational services. Works with others in the development and implementation of Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs).

Inspects workspaces and equipment for hazardous conditions and ensures that material and supplies are working properly. Take necessary action to correct any unsafe conditions. Ensures compliance with Department of Labor standards and guidelines, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and SSLC policy.  Completes the yearly inventory in accordance with training and established procedures.

Evaluates the needs of the individuals and staff that work in the workshops and ensures that each individual has a safe and productive place to work. Reports any unresolved/recurring issues concerning the individuals to the Vocational Case Managers and to the department director.

Participates in various committees and workgroups to ensure vocational programs are an integral part of the SSLC and to improve vocational programs.  Attend meetings in the absence of the department director.  Oversees outreach to the community to gain new opportunities for individuals for vocational programs and services, as directed.  Ensure that proper purchasing practices take place with the proper use of procurement cards.

Collaborate effectively with the direct support professionals and clinical staff from other divisions, with a visible presence in the workshops to learn from others and to model professional interaction with individuals.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of, or ability to develop knowledge of, Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies and procedures related to State Supported Living Centers, the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, and Life Safety Code.

Knowledge, or ability to gain knowledge of state and federal, and local policies relating to vocational programs and services.

Knowledge of Department of Labor laws and of labor board laws and procedures.

Knowledge, or ability to gain knowledge of, client protection, Active Treatment and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) regulation.

Skill in program development.

Skills in the use of computers, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, TEAMS, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Ability to develop or implement Skill Acquisition Plans.       

Ability to supervise large staffing groups and to build leadership skills in others.

Ability to effectively facilitate meetings.

Ability to develop, establish, and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to establish goals and objectives to devise solutions to administrative problems.

Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, with staff, IDT, and other departments.

Ability to analyze root cause and problem solve and to develop plans of correction.

Ability to assess individual’s needs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Possess a Valid and Current Texas Driver’s License

Clear Driving Record with the TX Dept. of Public Safety

Must be Able to be Certified to drive a State Vehicle

Initial Screening Criteria:

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in an education, management, human services or a related field and one year of job experience in vocational-services related field, at least some of which includes leading, directing or managing the work of others; or Four (4) years of work experience in a vocational-services related field, at least some of which includes leading, directing or supervising the work of others.

Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

Experience in a workshop setting providing services to clients is preferred.

Additional Information:

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.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.