System of Care 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: System of Care Director 
Job Title: Director I 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: TX SoC Admin 
Posting Number: 8464 
Closing Date: 09/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 15% 
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:

The Director I, System of Care Director, is selected by and directly reports to the Children's Mental Health Systems Coordination Director in Mental Health Programs at HHSC. The Director I represents the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in directing agency activities and functions that foster collaboration and partnerships between HHSC and non-HHS entities, such as community organizations, medical institutions, other state agencies, county and local agencies. The Director I oversees the implementation of the System of Care (SOC) framework in Texas. This position will work with direct reports and partners to direct implementation of mental health projects across many systems. The Director I uses strategic thinking to evaluate the impact of project activities and alignment with HHSC and SOC goals, and implements improvements as needed to ensure progress toward the accomplishment of the overall mission and vision. 

The Director I position also provides direction and leadership for the Residential Treatment Center (RTC) project as part of the SOC. The Director I provides complex strategic planning for both the SOC and the RTC Project, collaborating with other areas and agencies on how to improve service delivery, and developing and providing recommendations for program and oversight improvement. The RTC Project provides treatment support for families who are at risk of parental relinquishment of custody to the Department of Family and Protective Services because of their mental health care needs. The RTC Project supports families by (a) connecting families to mental health services available in their community through their local mental health or behavioral health authority (LMHA or LBHA), and (b) paying for the cost of room and board in an RTC to meet their child’s mental health needs when families do not have the resources to pay for residential treatment.  

Duties include: Collaborate with child-serving state agency partners and local communities to implement the SOC state statute and memorandum of understanding. This includes strategic planning and work plan development; prioritizing goals and objectives; leadership and support on project management; and utilizing a data-driven approach to inform outcomes, recommendations, oversight and reporting on key initiatives associated with the development of the SOC framework statewide. Review proposed federal and state statutes and regulations that impact SOC and the RTC Project, and provide consultation and guidance to ensure compliance. Review and approve SOC and RTC Project budget expenditures. Lead implementation of the SOC framework across Texas; direct and supervise the work of others to coordinate and implement SOC-focused projects and initiatives, including the RTC Project; oversee the monitoring of RTC provider performance; submit required performance and legislative reports; identify and implement best practices; and establish data-driven evaluation strategies and continuous quality improvement. 

Develops and coordinates briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, legislative reports, and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Responds to legislative correspondence and 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. Represents Behavioral Health Services on external councils, committees, or workgroups as needed. Works on cross-agency initiatives and projects that will enhance or fill gaps. 

Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Represents HHSC Behavioral Health Services by supervising direct reports and providing SOC and RTC Project strategic planning for mental health-focused activities and functions that foster collaboration and partnerships with internal and external partners, such as community organizations, medical institutions, other state agencies, county and local agencies. Provides assistance and advice to the Office of Medicaid, DSHS, HHSC and DFPS leadership and designated staff, as well as to other child-serving state agencies to ensure children's mental health focused policies, procedures and processes include critical SOC components. Provides complex executive and managerial planning, project management, implementation and data-driven evaluation of strategies to achieve BHS and SOC priorities and policy coordination. (40%)

Provides programmatic support to the RTC Project by directing and supervising the RTC team; providing training and technical assistance; program model oversight; and programmatic direction. Under the direction of the Children’s Mental Health Systems Coordination Director, directs the overall strategic planning, implementation, coordination, organization, data collection and analysis, and evaluation of RTC project and policies to promote effective program administration and service delivery. (30%)

Develops and coordinates briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Provides analysis of federal and state legislation and regulations and department rules and policy as they apply to program planning and policy development, and provides consultation, implementation support and direction to ensure compliance. Develops and reviews legislative reports. (20%)

Directs the compilation of feedback from partners via surveys, public forums, and community meetings to identify gaps in services and systems. Conducts research on assigned initiatives. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws applicable to the program. Knowledge of strategic planning and program management. 
Knowledge of principles of health and human services policy and planning.
Knowledge of the principles of leadership and interaction with various leadership styles. 
Knowledge and experience of the legislative process. 
Skill in project management leadership. 
Skill in performing research, needs assessments, evaluation, or data analysis. 
Skill in working with statewide organizations, interagency councils, and community-based organizations.
Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex program and policy issues. 
Skill in developing and implementing communications strategies. 
Skill in developing creative and workable solutions to complex problems and policy issues. 
Skill in leadership, communication, and public speaking. 
Skill in the use of computer software-Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point. 
Skill in developing, writing, and editing executive documents and briefings. 
Ability to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate highly complex and technical information and translate into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations for agency execution, elected officials, and the public. 
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts. 
Ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills; prioritize workload. 
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
Ability to perform effectively and produce results. 
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with external and internal partners and work cooperatively in a team environment, including the ability to work with people under pressure, lead and supervise teams of employees, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various level personnel in governmental entities and program stakeholders. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation with a Master's degree in public health, public administration, psychology, sociology, social work or related field is required. At least five years of experience in the mental health field is required.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.