Associate Commissioner for State Hospitals

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 for State Hospitals 
Job Title: Director VI 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Hospitals Section 
Posting Number: 8875 
Closing Date: 09/18/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-31 
Salary Range: $10,271.00 - $17,370.75 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 909 W 45TH ST #634 BLDG 4 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,621X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0 
91W0,97,SEI15 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Under the direction of the Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Associate Commissioner for the State Hospitals performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and planning for the Hospitals Services Section, which includes the 9 State Psychiatric Hospitals, and 1 Residential Treatment Center (Waco Center for Youth). Work involves establishing the strategic plan, goals, and objectives; developing policies; reviewing guidelines, procedures, Texas Administrative Code Rules, and regulations. Establishes priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting goals. Coordinates and evaluates hospital activities related to safety, standards, compliance, and efficient use of funding. Ensures hospitals maintain Joint Commission Accreditation and compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation. Reviews and approves budgets and contractual relationships. Works with stakeholders to assure efficient access to services as well coordinated transition from the hospitals to other settings. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others in state office, as well as hospital superintendents. Represents state hospitals with the Texas Legislature and other stakeholders. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (25%) - Supervises the superintendents of the state hospitals. Directs the administration of the section and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for efficiency and effectiveness in day-to-day decisions regarding programs and services operated by the section.

EJF 2 (10%) - Manages resources of the section to achieve goals and objectives in a cost-effective manner. Provides leadership in the development of the section’s legislative appropriation request and in the allocation of funds to state hospitals. Is responsible for internal budget development and reporting to ensure accountability for the section and facilities. Ensures that all facilities capitalize on opportunities to generate revenue through third-part billing and federal reimbursement.

EJF 3 (10%) - Participates in the development and communication of a division strategic vision, which is consistent with the agency strategic plan and provides a future direction to the state hospitals’ efforts towards producing the desired outcomes for the people served. Provides leadership to the state hospital section and facility employees and monitors progress in achieving desired results.

EJF 4 (10%)- Implements the state hospitals’ strategic vision. Oversees systems and processes to be implemented which facilitates accountability and provides meaningful objective feedback to all stakeholders on progress toward achieving the desired goals and objectives.

EJF 5 (10%) - Leads the development of partnerships with section stakeholders. Collaborates actively with the Associate Commissioner of the State Supported Living Centers and other colleagues in the managed care and authority leadership. Promotes partnerships by encouraging stakeholders’ contributions and participation in opportunities to define desired outcomes for state hospitals.

EJF 6 (10%) - Ensures that state hospitals operate in a manner consistent with federal regulations and agency policies and procedures. Sets expectations and monitors performance to ensure that state hospital leadership and provider Superintendents maintain an operational Quality System Oversight (QSO) system. Serves on the State Hospital System Governing Body.

EJF 7 (10%) - Ensures that the care and treatment provided by state hospital providers is of high quality. Ensures that all direct reports place primary emphasis on the development and maintenance of those specific services for persons served which have been demonstrated to be effective, matching customer needs with available resources.

EJF 8 (10%) - Maintains an appropriately configured, trained and supported workforce. Ensures that state hospital provider organizations effectively deploy human resources policies, procedures, work processes and values. Utilizes strategies that promote employee empowerment and teamwork.

EJF 9 (5%) - Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligation 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):

Extensive knowledge of state and federal legislative and appropriations process, finance administration, mental health policies, and effective mental health provider administration.

Extensive knowledge of the Texas Joint Commission Accreditation, Medicare Certification, performance improvement activities, and Governing Body processes.

Considerable knowledge of agency laws pertaining to mental health policy and program administration, agency goals, plans, and critical issues.

Thorough knowledge and abilities in leadership, strategic visioning and planning, management care concepts, team building, and continuous quality improvement.

Skills in formulating and implementing policies pertaining to the administration of mental health provider organizations, analyzing complex matters, interpreting findings, and making sound decisions.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct provider services.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships both within HHSC and with personnel of public and private agencies and organizations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Degree from an accredited college or university is required. Master’s degree in human services, hospital management, or related field is preferred.

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in a system or facility providing healthcare and/or mental health services.

Experience in the development and implementation of a strategic plan for a large organization or department.

Experience developing, deploying and overseeing policies to govern the operation of a large organization or department serving people in a residential or psychiatric setting.

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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

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

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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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.