MH Grants Unit 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.

Functional Title: MH Grants Unit Director 
Job Title: Director II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH-Adult Mental Health Svcs 
Posting Number: 11372 
Closing Date: 12/02/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27 
Salary Range: $7,015.16 - $11,864.50 
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: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 
97E0,SEI15 
 
 

The Mental Health Grants Unit Director, under the direction of the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Adult, Crisis, & Forensic Mental Health Services Deputy Associate Commissioner, provides senior-level leadership and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Mental Health Grants Unit. This position manages the strategic implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of state-funded mental health grant programs and other BHS initiatives. The Director ensures high-quality program execution, efficient processes, strong performance evaluation, and effective support to internal and external stakeholders. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Program Administration (25%). Oversees the implementation, administration, and monitoring of state-funded mental health grant programs and special BHS initiatives. Ensures grant programs comply with federal and state regulations, funding requirements, and agency policies. Guides development of Requests for Applications (RFAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), program guidance documents, and grant-related reporting tools.

Process Improvement & Evaluation (25%). Leads efforts to strengthen grant management processes, including procurement, monitoring, performance reporting, and closeout. Promotes data-driven decision-making through performance evaluation, analysis, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Identifies opportunities to enhance efficiency, consistency, and customer service across program operations.

Leadership & Oversight (25%). Directs the daily activities, workflow, and priorities of the Mental Health Grants Unit. Provides strategic leadership to align unit operations with agency, division, and legislative priorities. Supervises and mentors Program Specialists to ensure operational excellence. Selects, manages, and develops staff, including conducting performance reviews, coordinating training, managing personnel actions, approving leave, and encouraging ongoing professional growth.

Stakeholder Engagement (15%). Serves as a liaison to BHS and MH leadership on state-funded grant programs, other BHS divisions, external partners, grantees, evaluators, and cross-agency workgroups. Provides technical assistance, communication, and strategic guidance to support successful program implementation. Represents the Unit at meetings as directed, attends conferences, and briefs executive leadership on program operations, issues, and emerging needs. Prepares briefing materials and provides strategic direction in drafting, reviewing, and coordinating information and communication related to mental health grant programs, including legislative responses and reports. 

Strategic Planning & Coordination (10%). Contributes to division-level planning, policy development, and long-range strategic initiatives. Supports integration of evaluation findings, legislative direction, and community needs into program design and improvement efforts. Oversees or contributes to special projects, emergency response assignments, and emerging behavioral health grant initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge of:
Behavioral health program administration, state-funded grant management, and public-sector operations.
Best-practice policies and procedures related to grant program management.
State and federal grant regulations, administrative rules, and funding requirements.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policies and procedures.
Contracting and procurement processes, contract development, negotiations, and grant budget administration.
Process improvement practices and applications. 

Skills in:
Analyzing data, evaluating program performance, and implementing process improvements.
Communication and interpersonal engagement with diverse stakeholders, including leading collaborative initiatives.
Leadership, supervision, and management of program staff.
Strategic planning, including developing and implementing goals, objectives, and policies/procedures.
Analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues.
Working under pressure, managing competing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
Planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others, including setting and managing priorities.
Explaining complex ideas and issues in clear, understandable terms.
Interpreting and communicating policies and procedures.

Ability to:
Manage complex grant programs and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Apply policies, procedures, and regulatory guidance to grant program operations.
Lead staff, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and guide team toward achieving program goals.
Balance competing priorities and meet deadlines in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
Build productive relationships with internal, external, and governmental partners.
Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA

Required:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; Five to seven years of experience in program administration, grants management, or behavioral health service delivery, including supervisory experience.

Preferred:

Masters degree in human services or related field; Behavioral Health program design and/or implementation; Project management and process improvement experience.

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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.