Superintendent

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.

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Under the direction of the Associate Commissioner for the Texas State Hospitals (SH), the Superintendent performs highly advanced and complex duties for the effective oversight and administration of all programs and services at the SH. The SH provides 24-hour comprehensive inpatient psychiatric and behavioral health treatment that is recovery-oriented and evidence-based. The Superintendent oversees the day-to-day operations and sets the facility vision and strategic direction, and oversees business functions for the SH. The Superintendent leads the SH with integrity and transparency, establishing goals and objectives, develops standards for achieving established goals, and develops guidelines to fairly administer and enforce policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. The Superintendent identifies risks and other areas for improvement within the SH and directs, coordinates, and oversees quality improvement plans. The Superintendent must have a deep understanding of requirements of The Joint Commission for accreditation and licensure, and skill in developing and implementing innovative approaches that provide efficient and effective operations and services for patients, as well as fair and accountable working conditions for employees. The Superintendent exercises considerable independent judgment in the performance of duties within established laws, regulations, standards, rules, and agency policies of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Serves on workgroups/committees to enhance stakeholder partnerships and provides input to HHS executive leadership to influence positive change.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Management of the SH which includes the supervision and oversight for all departments of the hospital to ensure the desired outcome in delivering services. Ensures all areas operate according to applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and sound management practices.

Provides leadership in the development and implementation of the State Hospital’s performance improvement plan, ensuring the hospital is on target to meet or exceed goals and objectives both administratively and clinically.

Has an active leadership role in the Texas State Hospitals Governing Body, planning sessions, workgroups, hospital committees, and special investigations.

Directs and is responsible for all environment of care, life safety, and risk management programs and plans are current and in compliance to minimize the risk and effects of potential disasters by preparing after action plans to be reviewed by hospital leadership.

Ensures the effective integration of all program activities and ensures a safe environment for the patients and staff through the effective implementation of standards, rules, and statues.

Ensures all responsible areas are properly trained and competent in relevant skills and duties and serves as a content expert on administrative processes and procedures.

Promotes the SH and communicates responsibly and effectively about diverse subjects with various important internal stakeholders such as central office, other areas of HHSC, other Superintendents, etc.; and external stakeholders such as LMHAs, LBHAs, local and area elected officials, law enforcement, members of the judiciary, patient families and advocates, and the local citizenry.

Directs and is responsible for the coordination and implementation of audit findings, program or process improvement, quality management.

Oversees and is responsible for the implementation and interpretation of The Joint Commission standards, CMS conditions of participation, State Office of Risk Management standards, and other relevant agency requirements to promote the effective administration of the SH’s function.

Ensures the SH is in compliance with all required standards to ensure safe hospital operations, including the implementation of plans of correction and ongoing monitoring of correction and compliance.

Oversees the development and maintenance of facility-specific policies and plans.

Foster academic partnerships through clinical rotations, internships, and psychiatric residency programs. Ensures all responsible areas are properly trained and competent in relevant skills and duties and serves as a content expert on administrative processes and procedures.

In collaboration with the Financial Officer, develops and evaluates budget requests and monitors financial expenditures. Provides guidance to contract managers to maintain compliance with contract management needs of the hospital to include new contracts, renewals, addendums, MOUs, and contract performance evaluation. Approves budget requests, expenditures, and PO requisitions in CAPPS financial.

Oversees the coordination and implementation of employee related functions to promote employee appreciation, recognition, and retention.

Oversees the development and implementation of SH wide infection control policy requirements and operations practices to ensure safe environment for patients and staff.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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 (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of psychiatric hospital standards, rules, regulations, and legal status, including CMS and The Joint Commission standards.

Knowledge of the Texas Administrative Code, Health and Safety Code and Code of Criminal Procedure.

Knowledge of and experience in the development and implementation of an operational plan for a large organization.

Knowledge of general quality management principles (i.e., TQM, CQI, etc.).

Ability to and experience in developing effective partnerships with external stakeholders, such as law enforcement, the judiciary, and local mental health authorities.

Ability to and experience in developing and deploying policies to govern the operation of an organization.

Ability to represent the agency before various groups and to work effectively with state and local officials, community leaders, and the media.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word.

Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and to make effective decisions affecting the overall operation of a large organization or department.

Skill in developing and implementing innovative practices for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care.

Skill in developing goals and objectives for service delivery in a residential or inpatient setting. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university majoring in a healthcare-related field, including psychology, social work, nursing, medicine, rehabilitation, public health, public administration, health care administration, hospital administration, business administration, and/or related areas. Master’s degree or higher preferred. 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and

At least five (5) years of management experience in a hospital or residential facility serving persons with mental health diagnoses.

OR

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; and

At least three (3) years of management experience in a hospital, residential facility serving persons with mental health diagnoses.

AND the following:

Experience in the development and implementation of an operational plan for a large organization or department.

Experience in ensuring the provision of quality services, treatment, training and supports for persons with mental health diagnoses.

Experience managing multiple departments.

Experience developing and deploying policies to govern the operation of an organization or department. 

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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