Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 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.

Brief Job Description:

Works under the general direction of the Associate Commissioner of Health and Independence within Community Services.  Performs complex managerial work leading the strategic and daily operations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, which includes functions relating to training programs, the Specialized Telecommunications and Assistance Program, Board for Evaluation of Interpreters, and contracted programs that support Texans who are deaf or hard of hearing. Responsibilities include: leadership development and oversight of managers, interprets federal and state laws, and department rules and policy as they apply to contracting and service delivery; develops and implements program strategic planning, rules and policy development; identifies, develops, and implements best practices; establishes and monitors goals and objectives and evaluates program performance; develops and maintains mechanisms to ensure that administrative and client service expenditures remain within budgetary limitations, and state and federal performance measures are met; plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others; and ensures effective use of resources.  Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Direct and manage the operations and activities of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, an array of programs solely focused on providing services to individuals across the lifespan who are deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind. Provides overall vision, leadership and strategic direction.  Responsibilities include development and implementation of program strategic planning, best practices, rules and policy development.  Develops and manages systems and processes for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules guidelines, and established policies.  Oversees the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives to achieve successful outcomes, identify trends, and determine appropriate program actions. (30%)
• Provide effective supervision, guidance, coaching and development to direct reports. Establish staff development plans and activities. Oversees the improvement of the program operations and employee engagement efforts. (25%)
• Oversee development and implementation of reports and legislation related to program areas addressing impacts to programs and cross-functional activities. Identify problem(s), and recommend solutions by defining scope, purpose, objectives, time frames, resource requirements and priorities. Ensure reports adhere to federal and state regulation, program mission, vision, and goals. Implements customer service and organizational improvements principles, develops new approaches to effect change management in response to evolving needs of the department. (15%)
• Oversee development of policy and procedure ensuring no impact to cross-functional activities and that they incorporate innovative measures. (15%)
• Communicate both verbally and written with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. Represents the Unit at various external meetings, such as, legislative meetings, hearings, strategic planning sessions, or procurement meetings. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of deaf and hard of hearing services and programs.
• Knowledge of HHSC contracting requirements.
• Knowledge of related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability systems
• Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, and project management
• Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles
• Skill in communication and public speaking
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in independently identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with groups of varied interest
• Ability to manage resources; establish office work priorities; and plan and organize the workload to ensure periodic, milestone, and final deadlines are met
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of management-level staff
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate staff, fostering an environment of engagement and accountability
• Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders and elected officials
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions
• Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to lead in an environment of change
• Ability to build effective work teams.
• Ability to comprehensively and accurately evaluate reports
• Ability to display a high degree of diplomatic competence and discretion

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in social work, counseling, or health and human services related field.
• Experience in the management and direction of a large division, agency, or program.
• Ten years full-time, professional experience.
• Five years of experience related to the provision of services for the deaf, hard of hearing or other disabilities
• Five years of experience providing leadership, guidance and direction to professional staff.

Preferred

• Fluent in American Sign Language
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, counseling, or health and human services related field. 

Additional Information:

N/A

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 need.

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.