Deputy Associate Commissioner in Austin, TX

Description

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: Deputy Associate Commissioner 
Job Title: Director III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BHS Quality Ctrl Prcs Imprv 
Posting Number: 14911 
Closing Date: 04/14/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 25% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS 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 Deputy Associate Commissioner of the Quality Management area, under the direction of the Associate Commissioner of the Quality, Compliance and Performance Improvement department, is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the area. This position manages and directs quality management activities, which include establishing and maintaining the agency's quality management system in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and assisting in the development of appropriate contract documents, training, and reference material.

Performs advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance to multiple sections and staff of various leadership levels within the area. This position is responsible for establishing strategic goals and objectives and developing policies and procedures for effective quality management activities. Leads the planning, implementation, administration, and ongoing evaluation of quality management functions.

Works with other division leadership, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective quality management processes. This position develops metrics and measurement tools to ensure the creation of work products that support the agency's mission. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of area staff. This position requires experience managing complex programs and demonstrated leadership, as well as excellent writing skills. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responds to requests by the legislature and public officials, agency staff, consumers, and family members.

The ideal candidate is an initiative-taking professional who enjoys a challenge, thrives on identifying and implementing innovative solutions, and wants to make a positive difference in the lives of Texans. The candidate will have a commitment to ensuring high-quality, coordinated delivery of mental health and substance use services.  The candidate will have strong leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills, along with the ability to work across agencies and disciplines.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the Quality Management area. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of programs as they relate to quality management oversight of behavioral health contracts. Identifies the need to revise program areas and implement changes as needed. (20%)

EJF 2. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.  Provides direction and guidance to management level and other leadership staff to promote the development and growth of future leadership staff and ensure adequate engagement of frontline team members. (20%)

EJF3. Oversees the development of standardized quality management process and protocols, performance measures and relevant compliance guides and handbooks. Oversees development of contract monitoring tools and statewide behavioral health contract monitoring activities. Monitors compliance with regulations and standards by contractors. (25%)

EJF 4. Makes program management decisions, impacting statewide quality management contracts, and works with other state agencies and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates the impact of proposed federal and state laws on contracts or quality management objectives. Ensures the regulations and standards established by the department are consistent with state and federal law. (20%)

EJF 5. Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of reports on area operations. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, and approving leave. (10%)

EJF 6. Performs other duties as assigned and on a timely basis. 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. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements
• Knowledge of business processes, process improvement, contract management systems, and quality management
• Knowledge of State government organization, administration, management, and operating practices
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to the program area
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and state quality management practices

Skill in:

• Skill in project management
• Skill in writing complex documents/reports, regulations, policies, and procedures
•  Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in communication and public speaking
•  Skill in organizing tasks and projects
• Skill in assessing the evaluation of services and recommending improvements •
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting based on complex data sets

Ability to:

• Ability to present information clearly, concisely, and effectively to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing
• Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and entities
• Ability to evaluate the performance of staff or contractors responsible for providing specified services 
• Ability to implement and balance change and lead cross-functional teams to implement new or improved work processes
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts/data/systems/financial information
• Ability to establish goals and objectives while working independently and delivering results in an environment of complex organizational interactions and competing demands on staff resources
• Ability to make independent and sound technical judgments
• Ability to use or learn software necessary to successfully perform duties and assignments
• Ability to develop and evaluate guidelines, policies and procedures

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager credential within the first 12 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in behavioral health, public policy, business administration, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field may substitute for experience, or equivalent experience may substitute for education as appropriate.
• At least five (5) years of experience in the management, administration, or direct provision of public mental health or substance use services.
• At least three (3) years of experience compiling, analyzing, and interpreting complex programmatic data.
• Experience using computer systems or software to monitor, track, and report contractor or program compliance.

Additional Information:

This position may be eligible for teleworking and will work in the office at least three days weekly. 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

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.