Deputy Associate Commissioner, Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs 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, Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs 
Job Title: Director III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: BH-MH Pgms Plng & Policy Adm 
Posting Number: 10882 
Closing Date: 12/04/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Management 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28 
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
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:

Director III works with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment, directly oversees the program development, implementation, and administration of two Medicaid programs; Youth Empowerment Services (YES) waiver and Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) for individuals with mental health needs; including the development and monitoring of program policies and procedures, rules, billing guidelines, Medicaid services and standards of care for home and community-based services. Performs complex managerial work leading the day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit which includes contracting and quality management, federal oversight, and program improvement functions. Responsibilities include: direction of personnel; development and coordination of strategic planning related to programs services; design and implementation of the aforementioned programs in response to funding and legislative requirements; oversight of quality management and contract monitoring activities; compilation and submission of federal reports and Medicaid documents, research and development of statewide or pilot programming in conjunction with evidence-based best practices; development of legislative appropriations requests; analysis of legislative and other proposals; 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, trade organizations, inter or intra agency task groups, and other organizations or agencies as requested.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and

performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1. (20%) 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 the Associate Commissioner.

EJF 2. (15%) Researches, Plans, Designs, implements, and administers programs and initiatives to meet division objectives, including programs with multiple funding streams. Works with other divisional units, state agencies and stakeholders. 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 ongoing federal approval of programs, including reports, rule changes, legislative analysis, stakeholder recommendations and feedback.

EJF 3. (15%) Manages and oversees the activities of the unit and personnel who are responsible for strategic planning, policy, program and rule development and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operations. Includes oversight of contracts, monitoring, and contractual remedies for non-compliance. Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, 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 achievement of deliverables.

EJF 4. (15%) Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the  BHMP unit. Directs the overall design and planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of assigned policies and programs and evaluation of behavioral health statewide service delivery systems. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities and strategic planning and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and BHS division. Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies.

EJF 5. (10%) Oversees program quality through monitoring and evaluation including quality management and quality improvement (including on-site and desk review) and oversees federal reporting of these activities. Oversees service authorization and claims payment. Oversees the development of IT infrastructure to support program goals, objectives, and system requirements.

EJF 6. (10%) Oversees all program business functions including contracting, finance, data, communications, policy, etc. Must understand the biennual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review. Must understand operational structures in state office as well as of contracted providers. This includes oversight of the procurement and contract oversight for service delivery and administrative functions.

EJF 7. (10%) Ensure 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, are accurate and complete, and are of overall high quality.

EJF 8. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of the Youth Empowerment Services waiver and Home and Community-Based Services state plan amendment.
• Knowledge of state programs and processes for mental health services.
• Knowledge of operating contract-based mental health programs.
• Knowledge of business processes and organizational hierarchies
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements for Mental Health and Medicaid services
• Knowledge of the State of Texas procurement processes
• Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability systems
• Skill in Project management
• Skill in Request for Open Enrollment (OE) and Request for Proposal (RFP) development
• Skill in writing complex program, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in communication and public speaking
• amendment
• Skill in Project management
• Skill in Request for Open Enrollment (OE) and Request for Proposal (RFP) development
• Skill in writing complex program, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in communication and public speaking
• Ability to provide direction, oversight and management of professional staff
• Ability to present information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing
• Ability to explain, advocate, express facts and ideas, and negotiate with individuals and groups
• Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships and coalitions
• Ability to develop and implement effective customer service systems
• Ability to lead in an environment of change
• Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Ability to establish goals and objectives
• Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required. Four years of leadership experience required, behavioral health experience preferred which may include leadership positions intersecting with Medicaid, contracts and program management, compliance, enforcement and working with government or community-serving agencies.

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.