Deputy Associate Commissioner

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 
Job Title: Director III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BHH OPERATIONS 
Posting Number: 7251 
Closing Date: 08/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
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:  
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:

Under the direction of the Associate Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Operations, the Director of Contract Payment Area is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the area that processes payments for contracted mental health and substance use services.   

Performs highly advanced (senior level) managerial work providing direction and guidance to the area and other HHSC staff who have a critical role in reviewing and approving payments and managing information related to contract payments. Works with contractors and HHSC staff to ensure efficient and effective contract payment processes. Establishes strategic goals and objectives and develops policies and procedures for activities related to the facilitation, tracking, reviewing and remedying payments in compliance with applicable HHS, state, and federal requirements.

Leads the planning, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of BHS contract payment functions. Uses knowledge of multiple HHS contract/payment-related applications such as CAPPS Financials, BHSMS, and SCOR to establish standards and assess progress with meeting objectives. This position plans, assigns, and supervises the work of aea staff. This position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and requires demonstrated experience in managing complex payment-related processes, providing guidance to managers, directors and front-line staff, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Contract Payment Area. Directs the overall planning, implementation, and coordination of contract payment activities. Identifies the need to revise the task environment and implement changes as needed. (20%)

EJF 2. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.  Provides direction and guidance to management level and other leadership staff to promote the development and growth of future leadership staff and ensures adequate engagement of frontline team members. (20%) 

EJF3. Oversees the development of standardized processes and protocols, measures and relevant compliance guides and handbooks. Oversees development of tools and processes related to facilitating, tracking, reviewing and remedying mental health and substance use payments. Uses knowledge of multiple HHS contract/program-related applications such as CMBHS, BHSMS, CAPPS Financials, and SCOR to establish standards and assess progress with meeting objectives. Reviews results of internal and external audits to create tasks and procedures in response to recommended corrective actions. (25%)

EJF 4. Makes management decisions that impact BHS contract payments with other HHSC staff who have a critical role in reviewing and approving payments and managing related information. Works with contractors and HHSC staff to ensure efficient and effective contract payment processes. Reviews and evaluates the impact HHS policies and state/federal laws on contract payment-related objectives. (20%)

EJF 5. Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports on unit operations. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and approving leave. (10%)

EJF 6. Performs other duties as assigned and on a timely basis. Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

BHS services and target populations

HHS and/or BHS information systems related to requisitions, purchase orders, and payments

CMBHS and MBOW datasets or similar datasets.

HHS IT governance processes, or similar governance processes

State contracting and procurement.

Strategic planning, human resource management, and practices of public administration and management.

Laws, rules, and regulations applicable to payment processes for human services.  

Principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.

Skill in:

Effective verbal communication and public speaking, including preparation and presentation of complex data analyses.

Project management with complex and multiple projects that cross divisions, agencies, and several lines of business.

Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.

Writing complex policies, procedures, and reports.

Effectively supervising assigned staff using the principles of positive performance.

Successfully handling personnel/performance problems in accordance with agency policies and abilities.

Ability to:

Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures.

Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Develop and implement effective customer service systems.  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is required. Each year of state level management experience related to contracting, payment processing, or accounting principles may substitute for each year of college.

Required- A minimum of 6 years’ experience in a supervisory or leadership position related to contracting, payment processing, or accounting principles

Required- Experience communicating verbally and in writing.

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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.