Deputy Associate Commissioner, Mental Health Programs
AUSTIN, TX
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: Deputy Associate Commissioner, Mental Health Programs
Job Title: Director III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BH-MHSA Division Management
Posting Number: 8384
Closing Date: 09/25/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Management
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
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: Austin
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:
The Director III (Deputy Associate Commissioner of Adult, Crisis, & Forensic Mental Health Services (ACF)) position reports to and works under the direction of the Associate Commissioner (AC) for Mental Health Programs in Behavioral Health Services. The position, in collaboration and partnership with program areas, contracts, quality management, and other HHSC agency leaders, leads the development, implementation, performance, and programmatic oversight of adult, crisis, and forensic-related behavioral health services with a primary focus on community-based mental health programming.
The Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) provides highly advanced (executive level) management, direction, guidance and coordination activities assigned to the Behavioral Health Services Section of HHSC in alignment with HHSC strategic planning initiatives. This includes providing leadership over the agency’s mental health continuum by setting strategic approaches, overseeing policy and program operations, driving positive outcomes through data, ensuring fiscal and regulatory accountability and partnering across agencies and local systems including the Local Mental Health Authorities to improve access and quality of care for those with mental health needs.
The units assigned to ACF are Adult Mental Health, Crisis Services Unit, Forensic & Jail Diversion Services Unit, Mental Health Grant Programs, and the Mental Health Special Projects Team. The functions of the position are to perform complex managerial work directing the day-to-day operations within the Mental Health Program Services area and a full array of grant funded and/or legislatively directed behavioral health services as directed by the Associate Commissioner of Mental Health Programs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: development and implementation of strategic operational plans, policies, and program initiatives; evaluation and performance monitoring; review and analysis of complex behavioral health issues related to federal statutes and regulations; contract development to implement community-based programming, and exacting of policies and processes that enhance the behavioral health services delivery system.
Represents the AC of Mental Health Programs as requested at meetings and hearings. Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Responds to legislative correspondence, media, and external requests ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Meets with fiscal and budget staff to provide guidance and input in assessing the fiscal impact of proposed policy changes specific to programs and activities that fall within the position's purview. Represents Behavioral Health Services on external Councils, Committees or work groups. This position works under general direction with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction regarding mental health programs, (with a focus on adult, crisis, and forensic programming) and all other associated programming. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of adult, crisis, and forensic-related mental health programs in collaboration with the existing state agency leadership. 30%.
Plans, implements, and administers programs to meet department objectives. Makes program management decisions, impacting statewide behavioral services, working collaboratively with other state agencies and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives. 30%.
Ensures programmatic and fiscal accountability and successful outcomes for the portfolio of assigned behavioral health programs within ACF. 20%.
Represents BHS by making presentations, providing information and testimony, collaborating with advocacy associations, other state agencies and federal partners. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials. Coordinates with state federal agencies to ensure program policies, standards, and activities conform to regulatory standards. 10%.
Completes other duties as assigned in accordance with the direction of the Associate Commissioner of Mental Health Programs or their designee. 5%.
Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, and scheduling and approving leave. 5%
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of service needs of the behavioral health populations and systems of care including the Local Mental Health Authority and Local Behavioral Health Authority system in Texas.
Knowledge of the crisis continuum, adult-serving programs, and forensic-related issues including competency, re- entry, and diversion
Knowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate funded behavioral health provider performance.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements for behavioral health services.
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 the use of data to analyze trends and prepare reports for management decisions.
Skill in directing and assessing the evaluation of behavioral health program services and implementing or recommending improvements.
Skill in communication, meeting facilitation and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Skill in program design, performance management, and quality improvement.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others and effectively manage and motivate staff.
Ability to make timely and effective decisions.
Ability to lead in an environment of change.
Ability to lead and mentor a high-performing team and promote accountability and collaboration.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
N/A
Initial Screening Criteria:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public health, psychology, sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field. Experience managing teams may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Experience in government or non-profit programs, with behavioral health experience preferred, including leadership positions intersecting with contracts, procurements, program management, compliance, enforcement, and working with government or community-serving agencies.
Additional Information:
N/A
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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin