Director of Behavioral Health 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:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Director of Behavioral Health Services performs advanced (senior level) and complex managerial duties overseeing and administering the business functions of the Behavioral Health Services department at the SSLC. Establishes goals and sets priorities for the department to ensure continuous quality improvement and improve compliance with terms of the settlement agreement. Maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy. Develops local guidelines, policies and procedures for the department and monitors for compliance. Oversees daily operations, activities and services provided by the Behavioral Health Services department, including positive behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, counseling plans, skill acquisition plans, and restraint plans. Coordinates and evaluates service implementation for consistency and effectiveness and ensures behavioral health programs are integrated with other services to provide optimal services to the individuals residing at the SSLC. Implements directives and oversees development and implementation of corrective action plans (CAPs) and quality improvement plans (QIPs). Reviews, develops, and approves documents and reports. Oversees allocation of staff resources. Hires, develops, plans, assigns, and supervises the work of behavioral health department staff. Ensures that the structure, staffing and operations of behavioral health services conform to the conditions of participation for the facility as an Intermediate Care Facility serving persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID), the terms of the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Ensures ongoing training, professional development, and performance evaluation to facilitate service delivery and professional growth. Serves on and/or chairs committees and work groups. Works under limited supervision of the Assistant Director of Programs (ADOP), with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs related work as assigned.

Serves as Administrator on Duty as needed and serves in the on-call rotation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.

May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Establishes and implements goals and objectives to ensure behavioral health services conform to the conditions of participation for the facility as an Intermediate Care Facility Serving Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID), the terms of the settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor, and all other relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations. Sets priorities for achieving goals and objectives, developing and approving schedules for work completion. Manages corrective action plans and quality improvement plans designed to achieve established goals and objectives.

Ensures the behavioral health department is focused on continuous process improvement and compliance with the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement. Proactively identifies issues and provides solutions. Maintains a physical presence on the homes/units to oversee behavioral health services and to ensure coordination of behavioral health services with other areas throughout the facility to facilitate best practices, ensure uniformity of procedures, and to support system values and mission. Provides feedback to behavioral health staff and residential services leadership of their findings. Interacts with individuals residing on campus in an emotionally supportive and therapeutic manner to model and provide an environment of caring, dignity and respect.

Provides leadership to and manages the day-to-day activities of the of behavioral health services departmental staff, including behavior analysts, counselors, psychological assistants, behavioral health specialists and behavioral health assistants. Collaborates with residential services leadership, behavioral health services staff, and other disciplines to facilitate effective program implementation and ensures behavioral health programs are integrated with other services such as residential services, active treatment/vocational services and qualified intellectual disabilities services to provide optimal services to the individuals residing at the SSLC. Hires, trains, and promotes professional growth of the employees within the department so that a competent workforce is maintained. Ensures that all departmental staff are compliant in training per agency and facility standards.

Provides professional supervision and consultation to assigned staff to promote effective performance. Responsible for ongoing performance evaluation and professional development of behavioral health staff, including applied behavior analysis, learning principles, behavior change techniques, positive behavior support, treatment and data integrity measures, behavior assessment, skill acquisition planning, the interaction effects of psychotropic medication and behavior, evidenced-based counseling, trauma informed approaches, and contemporary psychological issues to positively impact service delivery. Maintains current knowledge in relevant professional areas.

Oversees allocation of staff resources, adjusting staffing assignments on homes/units based on current needs. Ensures there is 24/7 coverage of behavioral health staff to address emergencies. Makes recommendations for changing emphasis to hiring behavioral staff with counseling, behavioral health and/or education/psychology credentials depending upon the changing needs of persons served at the SSLC. Takes action to improve employee retention and reduce turnover.

Maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy. Develops local guidelines, policies and procedures for the department and monitors for compliance such as those designed to ensure quality and integration with other program services. Identifies areas of needed change and develops new departmental procedures to improve programs and services.

Develops and implements tools and techniques which monitor behavioral health services and activities. Oversees and evaluates the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of plans produced by the department, including behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, counseling plans, and skill acquisition plans. Evaluates the outcomes of the behavioral health services provides through personal observation, staff interviews, document reviews, and by using available data such as peer-to-peer incidents, use of restraints, and self-injurious behaviors. Develops remedial plans to address needs and deficiencies, and to ensure compliance with relevant laws, standards, and policies.

Reviews, develops and approves documents and reports, including documentation of staff into the electronic health record, the collection and production of reports involving individual residents, and the findings from annual regulatory survey, monitoring visits and other audits. Uses information contained to address both personnel and system issues and guide future CAPs and QIPs. Ensures documents produced by staff are of professional quality and appearance and have accurate and appropriate content.

Prepares for and responds to annual survey and regulatory audits. Responds to requests for information. Serves on and/or directs the work of committees and workgroups including QA/QI council, Incident Management Review, Administrative Review team, Critical Incident Team, and other special projects and committees 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 regarding applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.

Knowledge of ICF/IID Standards and their application as well as other relevant federal and state laws and regulations

Knowledge and skills in administering all aspects of the delivery of behavioral health services, including psychological, counseling, and applied behavioral analysis services to persons with developmental disabilities. This requires extensive knowledge of behavior analysis and the ability to teach and implement these principles.

Knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.

Knowledge and skills in the administration of standardized evaluations, including assessments of intelligence and adaptive behavior.

Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and development of behavior support plans and skill acquisition.

Knowledge regarding medications used to assist with positive behavior supports and systems to track treatment effectiveness.

Demonstrated ability to train staff in programming and related psychological/behavioral areas.

Demonstrated ability to supervise clinical, paraprofessional, and clerical staff.

Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines/parameters.

Advanced writing skills in developing technical reports, research proposals, and other relevant documents.

Demonstrated leadership skills in motivating staff and effectively implementing program changes.

Knowledge and skills in use of personal computers and relevant software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certification as a Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board is preferred.

If not Board Certified as a Behavior Analyst at the time of employment, must be eligible to pursue board certification upon hire, and must attain certification within four years of hire date, along with licensure as a behavior analyst in Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, applied behavior analysis or a related field; and

At least one year experience in service provision to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and

Experience in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

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

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

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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.