Director of Maximum Security

Health & Human Services Comm; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Vernon State Hospital is seeking a Director of Maximum Security to lead the Security Department. The role oversees operations, staff supervision, budgeting, and compliance with Joint Commission and Life Safety codes, ensuring safety for patients, staff, and the public.

The position requires coordinating investigations, participating in quality improvement, and serving as a liaison with local law enforcement.

Job description

Career Opportunities: Director of Maximum Security (21997)

Posting ID21997-Posted10/01/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-Forensic Security-Healthcare Support-Vernon State Hospital-Not Eligible for Telework-b. $3000 - $4999 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:Director of Maximum Security
Job Title:Program Supervisor IV
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:Forensic Security
Posting Number:21997
Closing Date:10/15/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Healthcare Support
Salary Range:$4,523.16-$7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-B-21
Shift:Day
Additional Shift:None
Telework:Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary:Regular
Full Time/Part Time:Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Facility Location:Vernon State Hospital
Job Location City:VERNON
Job Location Address:4730 COLLEGE DR
Other Locations:None
MOS Codes: 0203,0207,0302,0370,0520,0602,0802,1802,1803,2340,5502,6302,6502,7202,7208,7210,7220,7502,8005,8858
9702,16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,86P0,8U000,9G100,BOSN,ELC,ISS,MAT,MED,MLES,MSSD,MSSE,MS
SR,OSS,WEPS

Brief Job Description

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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.

Program Supervisor IV (Director of Maximum Security) works a day shift from Monday‑Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Security Department of Vernon State Hospital. The Director of Maximum‑Security reports directly to the Director of Risk Management and is responsible for administering all the operations of the Vernon State Hospital Security Department. Performs complex managerial work directing and coordinating all security activities. Supervises management staff to carry out the Mission of the Security Department. Responsible for the fiscal and administrative management of the Maximum‑Security Department resources. Implements and administers a comprehensive Security program to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals, employees, and the public, protects state and personal property and prevents unauthorized departures of individuals served. Coordinates investigations as required. Serves on the Quality Improvement Council (QIC) working with other members of the hospital’s key leadership team in establishing organization goals, planning, and implementing quality care as well as contributing to planning processes related to resource allocation and distribution. The Director of Security is on call 24 hours a day or assures a subordinate is available to call. The Director of Security participates in hospital or HSCS committees as requested. The Director of Security serves as a liaison with law enforcement agencies in the community. Operates the Security Department, ensuring compliance with Vernon State Hospital standards, Security Department policy and procedures, Joint Commission, IOP and Life Safety codes. Maintains a current Security Management Plan that describes the department, establishes goals, objectives and standards to guide the direction of the department, and measures and improves performance. 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. Measures and monitors performance improvement and other data. Reports are presented in a manner useful for analysis and problem‑solving. In formal data reports, data is presented in tables and graphs as appropriate; data is analyzed using statistical process control; identifies patterns, causes, and/or conclusions based on data analysis; and action plans are developed for undesirable data as applicable. Addresses problems related to attendance, job performance and conduct in a manner that is consistent with the Performance and Conduct Management System; remembering that the goals of PCM are to correct problems and retain employees; and to use PCM as a management tool to promote good morale and performance efficiency. Applying concepts through counseling sessions, written documentation aimed at problem