Associate Director

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks an Associate Director (Director I) to lead the day-to-day operations of the Forensic and Jail Diversion Services unit in Austin. This role oversees strategic planning, program design, and policy implementation within the SOR Program Support team.

Responsibilities include staff supervision, grant writing, reporting, and collaboration with state partners.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience in strategic planning and policy development.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the FJDS unit.
• Oversee program design, implementation and evaluation.
• Develop budgets, forecasts and reporting for the unit.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Prepare testimony and legislative briefings as needed.
• Lead grant applications and contract oversight.
• Ensure quality management and continuous improvement.
• Provide mentorship and staff development.

Skills

Verbal communication

Public speaking

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Posting ID20596-Posted -Health & Human Services Comm-SOR Program Support-Community and Social Services-Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (1) -c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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:Associate DirectorJob Title:Director IAgency:Health & Human Services CommDepartment:SOR Program SupportPosting Number:20596Closing Date:09/09/2026Posting Audience:Internal and ExternalOccupational Category:Community and Social ServicesSalary Range:$6,377.50-$10,785.83Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group:TEXAS-B-26Shift:DayAdditional Shift:Days (First)Telework:Eligible for TeleworkTravel:Up to 30%Regular/Temporary:RegularFull Time/Part Time:Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:ExemptFacility Location:Job Location City:AUSTINJob Location Address:4601 W GUADALUPE STOther Locations:NoneMOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0 97E0,SEI15

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Unit seeks an Associate Director (Director I) to lead the day-to-day operations of assigned FJDS activities and perform complex managerial work. Working with considerable latitude, initiative, and independent judgment, the Associate Director oversees the development, implementation, and administration of programs under this position’s team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising, developing, and supporting personnel
• Leading strategic planning for program services
• Designing and implementing programs in response to funding and legislative requirements
• Overseeing quality management and improvement activities
• Preparing and submitting reports, documents, and responses to requests for information
• Researching and developing statewide and pilot programs based on evidence-based practices
• Developing legislative appropriations requests and analyzing legislative and policy proposals
• Providing testimony to legislative and other governmental bodies, as requested
• Writing grant applications
• Representing the division before stakeholder organizations and interagency and intra‑agency workgroups

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Manages and oversees the activities of a complex unit with highly specialized personnel responsible for strategic planning, policy, program and rule development, and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operation of CRP. Manages and develops staff through performance data review, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave. Strong communication is pertinent to maintaining vision and goal alignment,adherence to unit processes, and achieving deliverables. (15%)

Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the CRP team. Directs the overall necessary design and planning, implementation, coordination, collaboration, and evaluation of assigned policies and programs and evaluation of forensic and jail diversion behavioral health statewide service delivery systems. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities, strategic planning, and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and the Behavioral Health Services division. Oversees thedevelopment of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies. (15%)

Researches, plans, designs, implements, and administers programs and initiatives to meet division objectives, including programs with multiple funding streams and large budgets. Works with other divisional units, state agencies and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates the 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 ongoing federal approval of programs,including reports, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback. (15%)

Oversees the quality of multiple forensic and jail diversion programs through monitoring and evaluation. Facilitates strategic routine and targeted technical assistance plans to ensure quality management and improvement. Ensures proper documentation of program staff’s oversight efforts, including onsite and desk review, by developing and implementing effective reporting and documentation guidelines and processes. Supports the evaluation and critical thinking of the unit to aid in problem-solving and support programgoals, objectives, and system requirements. (15%)

Represents unit by making presentations, providing information, and collaborating with other divisional units and state partners. Responds to requests by public officials and other stakeholder groups through theSection Directors and Associate Commissioner. (15%)

Oversees all program business functions, including contracting, finance, data, communications, policy, etc. Must understand the biannual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review. Must understand operational structures in state offices as well as of contracted providers. This includes oversight of the procurement and contract oversight for service deliveryand administrative functions. (10%)

Ensures timely submission of all assigned deliverables, requests for information, and planning exercises.Verifies reports and submissions are written in a manner appropriate for the audience, vetted with necessary approvers, accurate and complete, and of overall high quality. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Forensic services
• Behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services
• Recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery as it has rolled out in Texas.
• Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas.

Skill in:

• Effective verbal communication and public speaking
• Exceptional writing skills
• Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues.
• Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health services
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.

Ability to:

• Quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines
• Develop complex, detailed implementation plans
• Lead team projects and delegate tasks appropriate to accomplish team objectives
• Develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices
• Develop materials for training and technical assistance events
• Lead cross-functional work groups
• Support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs
• Develop statewide rules for program policy
• Guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

No licensure requirements. Mental health professional licensure is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Degree Required- Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master's degree is