Associate Director

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.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Unit seeks a Director I, to oversee and perform complex managerial work, and lead the day-to-day operations of the Competency Restoration Programs (CRP) team. This position will require a candidate with experience utilizing extensive latitude, use of initiative, and independent judgment. The position directly oversees the successful program development, implementation, and administration of the programs the CRP team leads.

Key responsibilities include: Supervision and development of personnel; development and coordination of strategic planning related to programs services; design and implementation of the CRP programs in response to funding and legislative requirements; oversight of quality management activities; compilation and submission of reports and documents, research and development of statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based best practices; development of legislative appropriations requests; analysis of legislative and other proposals; providing testimony to legislative and other bodies as requested; grant writing; prompt response to requests for information, and serving as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations or agencies as requested.

This position requires strong leadership, communication, analytical and writing skills, attention to detail and is responsible for maintaining knowledge regarding recovery-oriented services and engagement and service delivery systems that support individuals in need of forensic and jail diversion services. Performs related work as assigned.

The CRP Director I reports to the Director of FJDS. This position is located in the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services Division, Behavioral Health Services Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF): 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1: Manages and oversees the activities of a complex unit with highly specialized personnel responsible for strategic planning, policy, program and rule development, and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operation of CRP. Manages and develops staff through performance data review, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, competing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. Strong communication is pertinent to maintaining vision and goal alignment, adherence to unit processes, and achieving deliverables (15%)

EJF 2: Oversees the quality of multiple forensic and jail diversion programs through monitoring and evaluation. Facilitates strategic routine and targeted technical assistance plans to ensure quality management and quality improvement. Ensures proper documentation of program staff’s oversight efforts (including onsite and desk review) by developing and implementing effective reporting and documentation guidelines and processes. Supports the evaluation and critical thinking of the unit to aid in problem-solving and support program goals, objectives, and system requirements. (10%)

EJF 3: Oversees all program business functions, including contracting, finance, data, communications, policy, etc. Must understand the biannual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review. Must understand operational structures in state office as well as of contracted providers. This includes oversight of the procurement and contract oversight for service delivery and administrative functions. (10%)

EJF 4: Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the CRP team. Directs the overall necessary design and planning, implementation, coordination, collaboration and evaluation of assigned policies and programs and evaluation of forensic and jail diversion behavioral health statewide service delivery systems. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities and strategic planning and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and BHS division. Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies. (15%)

EJF 5: Researches, plans, designs, implements and administers programs and initiatives to meet division objectives, including programs with multiple funding streams and large budgets. Works with other divisional units, state agencies and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives. Reports to supervisor regarding budget impact of changes to policy or business operations. Reports to supervisor on issues related to ongoing federal approval of programs, including reports, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback. (15%)

EJF 6: Represents unit by making presentations, providing information, and collaborating with other divisional units and state partners. Responds to requests by public officials and other stakeholder groups, through the Section Directors and Associate Commissioner. (20%)

EJF 7: Ensure timely submission of all assigned deliverables, requests for information, and planning exercises. Verifies reports and submissions are written in a manner appropriate for the audience, vetted with necessary approvers, are accurate and complete, and are of overall high quality. (10%)

EJF 8: Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Registration or Licensure Requirements: No licensure requirements. Mental health professional licensure is preferred.

Bachelor's Degree from an accreddited college or university required: Bachelor’s degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field preferred. Master’s degree is preferred. Knowledge and experience within the forensic and jail diversion system are preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

Knowledge in:
Forensic services, jail diversion services, behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services; recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery as it has rolled out in Texas. Basic knowledge of criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas.

Skills In:
Effective verbal communication and public speaking, exceptional writing skills, data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues. Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health service; quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines; identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.

Ability to:
Develop complex, detailed implementation plans; develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices; develop materials for training and TA events; lead cross functional work groups; support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs; develop statewide rules for program policy; ability to guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders.

Initial Screening Criteria:

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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