Associate Commissioner, Workforce Operations

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: Associate Commissioner, Workforce Operations 
Job Title: Director VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: HR STAFF 
Posting Number: 9803 
Closing Date: 10/15/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-31 
Salary Range: $10,271.00 - $15,833.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Workforce Operations Department Associate Commissioner performs highly advanced executive-level managerial work providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction of the department. This position reports to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for System Support Services and is responsible for providing oversight, direction and leadership of the HHS system human resources, civil rights, and administrative and leadership training functions.

Key responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and procedures, as well as evaluating the performance of support services. The Associate Commissioner is responsible for the development and implementation of workforce operational and programmatic strategic plans; operational policy development; executive level reporting; and ensuring resources are acquired appropriately and implemented effectively in compliance with regulations and agency policies.

The Associate Commissioner is responsible for coordination and collaboration with management across the Health and Human Services Commission, Department of State Health Services, the Office of Inspector General, and Department of Family and Protective Services regarding workforce operations support services. The role also involves interpreting federal and state laws and regulations, as well as departmental policies and rules related to workforce operations service delivery. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Provides strategic planning, guidance, and direction for the following HHS system-wide functions: human resources, training and leadership development, and civil rights.

Provides overall program vision, leadership, and strategic direction for achieving department goals and legislative mandates; directs the overall planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of support services to ensure timely and effective delivery of services as described in support service agreements.

Provides oversight and direction to key system support contracts to include the Human Resources and Payroll System (HRPS) and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) contracts.

Directs staff on special projects and initiatives. Facilitates meetings, delivers presentations, and produces high-quality written reports and briefings. Communicates effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to foster a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals.

Assesses the department's workforce needs and develops strategies and plans to address them. Directs the development of the department workforce with the appropriate knowledge, technical skills, and competencies. Oversees management and staff, including tasks such as hiring and selection, assigning work, performance evaluations, recommendation of personnel actions, disciplinary measures, and leave management.

Coordinates the development of the Workforce Operations department budget and Legislative Appropriations Requests in conjunction with the SSS DEC and HHSC Chief Financial Officer; reviews and makes management decisions regarding budget and staff allocation for support services; advises on status and progress of support services programs; and recommends methods for effective and efficient utilization of resources.

Provides information and testimony as well as presents to the HHSC legislative offices or committees, other state and federal agencies, and other organizations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• State and federal laws related to human resources, employee training and development, employment complaints, and contract management.
• Principles and practices of public administration and management including strategic planning, budgeting, and contract management.
• State of Texas legislative process.
• Health and human services policies and procedures at an expert level.
• Leadership principles for managing staff at various levels and effectively utilizing agency resources.
• Project management principles and best practices.

Skill in:

• Analytical, strategic conceptual thinking, planning, and execution.
• Budget planning, financial management, and ensuring the best return on investment for department initiatives.
• Leadership, verbal and written communication, and public speaking, with the ability to explain complex concepts to business leaders and the workforce effectively.
• Managing complex, statewide support services while effectively handling multiple and competing priorities.

Ability to:

• Develop and communicate a vision that aligns with business strategy and motivates staff.
• Effectively communicate with executives, elected officials, and external stakeholders both orally and in writing.
• Understand business drivers and translate business objectives into actionable strategies and execute them effectively and decisively.
• Provide high-quality customer service to internal and external constituencies, ensuring department services meet their needs.
• Lead major change initiatives, process improvements, manage organizational change, and ensure the department adapts to technical advancements.
• Build partnerships to foster productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Acquire and administer operational resources, and plan, assign, and supervise work effectively.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures, and prepare clear, concise reports to support organizational goals and decision-making.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR), professional certification in training or Juris Doctor (JD) preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• A bachelor's degree from a college or university with ten (10) years of professional work experience relative to the position in a large organization required; or a master's degree with at least five (5) years of work experience relative to the position in a large organization. Preferred field of study in human resources, business administration, public administration, organizational development, or a related field.
• A minimum of three years’ full-time experience leading operational divisions including workforce related functions such human resources, civil rights, staff training, and workforce data and records.
• A minimum of three years’ experience managing staff resources and budgets.
• Preferred experience managing or overseeing large teams in the public sector.
• Preferred experience analyzing and responding to requests from the Texas legislature and executive management.
• State of Texas experience preferred.

Additional Information:

This position may be eligible for a limited hybrid telework arrangement, with regular on-site work required in Austin. Telework arrangements are subject to change based on agency policy, management decision, or operational needs.

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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.