Associate Director of Crisis Services

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.

Brief Job Description:

Associate Director, with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement, directly oversees the program development, implementation, and administration of Behavioral Health Crisis Services programs and initiatives in the Crisis Services Unit (CS), serving individuals with mental health needs. Performs complex managerial work leading the day-to-day operations of statewide Crisis Services programs and initiatives. This position directly reports to the CS Unit Director II. Responsibilities include: personnel management; development and coordination of strategic planning related to Crisis Services programs and initiatives; development and monitoring of program policies and procedures, rules, and standards or care; design and implementation of the aforementioned program in response to funding and legislative requirements; research and development of statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based best practices; development of legislative session requests; potentially providing testimony to legislative and other bodies as requested; grant writing; prompt response to requests for information, and serving as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations or agencies as requested.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (25%) Manages and oversees the activities of Crisis Services initiatives/programs of the CS unit. Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy, program and rule development and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operations. This includes oversight of the procurement process to include grant writing and contract oversight for service delivery and administrative functions. Research and develop statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based practices. Oversees completion of program monitoring and evaluation including quality management and quality improvement. May oversee the biannual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review.

EJF 2. (20%) In collaboration with the CS Director, provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Crisis Services initiatives. Design program and implementation in alignment with funding and legislative requirements. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities and strategic planning and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the programs under Associate Director's purview. Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies.

EJF 3. (20%) In collaboration with the CS Director, researches, plans, designs, implements, and administers program and initiatives to meet program and unit objectives. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives. Reports to supervisor regarding budget impact of changes to policy or business operations. Reports to supervisor on issues related to reporting, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback.

EJF 4. (20%) Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selecting, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave.

EJF 5. (10%) Represents program area by making presentations, providing information, and collaborating with other programs, divisional units, state partners, and other stakeholders. Responds to requests by public officials, through the CS Director, Section Director and Associate Commissioner. May provide testimony to legislative and other bodies as requested. Serve as a public speaker or division representative with stakeholder organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations as requested.

EJF 6. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

1. Behavioral Health Crisis Services Initiatives

2. State programs and processes for mental health services

3. Business processes and organizational hierarchies

4. State and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements for Mental Health and Medicaid services

5. The State of Texas procurement processes

6. Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability systems

Skill in:

1. Project management

2. Solicitation development

3. Writing complex program, regulations, policies, and procedures

4. Managing multiple and competing priorities

5. Communication and public speaking

Ability to:

1. Provide direction, oversight and management of professional staff

2. Present information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing

3. Explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups

4. Build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions

5. Develop and implement effective customer service systems

6. Lead in an environment of change

7. Think creatively and support creative thinking in others

8. Establish goals and objectives

9. Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others

Registrations, License Requirements or Certifications:

No Licensure, cerfication or registration required.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, human services, public affairs or a related field; work experience in related field can be substituted for degree type. Master's Degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, human services, public affairs or a related field preferred.

Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives preferred; Experience in the direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services; Management experience required.

Additional Information:

This position is telework eligible. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

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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