Deputy Associate Commissioner for Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Services

Date: May 15, 2026Location:AUSTIN, TXJoin 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 for Adult, Crisis, and Forensic ServicesJob Title: Director IIIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: BH-MHSA Division ManagementPosting Number: 16939Closing Date: 05/29/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Community and Social ServicesSalary Range: $7,716.66 - $10,734.55Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-28Shift: DayAdditional ShiftTelework: Eligible for TeleworkTravel: Up to 25%Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: ExemptFacility Location:Job Location City: AUSTINJob Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE STOther Locations:MOS Codes: 8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W097E0,SEI15The Director III, functionally titled, the Deputy Associate Commissioner (DAC) of Adult, Crisis, & Forensic Mental Health Services (ACF) direct reports to the Associate Commissioner (AC) for Mental Health Programs in the Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Behavioral Health Services (BHS) Division.HHSC’s BHS Division is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of community-based mental health and substance use (i.e., behavioral health) services. The DAC for ACF is expected to have a systemic lens on behavioral health services broadly and use this systemic perspective to inform cross-agency, inter-agency (i.e., focus on state agencies), and stakeholder collaborations and partnerships that inform the development, implementation, performance, and programmatic oversight of ACF mental health services.The DAC for ACF is executive level management that provides direction, guidance and coordination activities assigned to the Behavioral Health Services Division in alignment with HHSC strategic planning initiatives to include statewide behavioral health strategic plan priorities. This includes providing leadership over the agency’s ACF services, displaying an awareness of how ACF services are a part of the broader behavioral health services continuum of care, and allowing this awareness to inform strategic approaches to program design and implementation towards recovery-focused outcomes for clients, fiscal and regulatory accountability, and provider aptitude to best meet the needs of clients.The DAC for ACF oversees the following program sections: Adult Mental Health, Crisis Services, Forensic & Jail Diversion Services, Mental Health Grant Programs, and the Mental Health Special Projects Team. Responsibilities of personnel include but are not limited to: development and implementation of strategic operational plans and policies that inform program initiatives; contract and procurement development to implement programming; evaluation and performance monitoring of contractors; and on-going review and analysis of state and federal statutes and other regulations that inform program implementation.The DAC for ACF represents the AC of Mental Health Programs as requested at meetings and legislative hearings. Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of briefing documents, white papers, correspondences, bill analyses, and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Responds to external correspondences such as media requests, legislative inquiries, and stakeholder requests. Meets with fiscal and budget staff to provide guidance and input in assessing the fiscal impact of proposed policy changes specific to programs and activities that fall within the position's purview. Represents BHS on internal and external councils, committees, or work groups. The DAC for ACF works under general direction with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Note: At this time, based on available office space, all DACs are expected to work in the office three-days per week, and telework 2 days. All HHSC positions are subject to state and agency telework directives and policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor in accordance with business need.Essential Job FunctionsEJF 1: Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction regarding mental health programs, (with a focus on adult, crisis, and forensic programming) and all other associated programming. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of adult, crisis, and forensic-related mental health programs in collaboration with the existing state agency leadership.EJF 2: Plans, implements, and administers programs to meet agency, division, and department objectives. Makes program management decisions, impacting statewide behavioral services, working collaboratively with other internal divisions, state agencies, and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates impact of proposed federal and state laws on program objectives.EJF 3: Ensures programmatic and fiscal accountability and successful outcomes for the portfolio of assigned mental health programs within ACF.EJF 4: Represents BHS by making presentations, serving on councils, advisory committees, or work groups, providing information and legislative testimony, collaborating with advocacy associations, other state agencies and federal partners. Responds to requests by legislators, other public officials, and other external stakeholders. Coordinates with state and federal agencies to assure program policies, standards, and activities conform to federal regulatory standards and other policy expectations.EJF 5: Manages and develops staff through providing timely feedback on performance, reviewing performance data, providing consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, scheduling and approving leave requests, and, where necessary, recommending personnel disciplinary actions.EJF 6: Completes other duties as assigned in accordance with the direction of the AC for Mental Health Programs or their designee. 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or CertificationsNo licensure, certifications, or registrations are required to perform this job.Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesKnowledge of service needs of the behavioral health populations and systems of care.Knowledge of the crisis continuum, adult-serving programs, and forensic-related issues including competency, re-entry, and diversionKnowledge of systems and procedures used to evaluate funded behavioral health provider performance.Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements for behavioral health services.Knowledge of Texas legislative process and public accountability systems.Knowledge of strategic planning, budget management, human resource management, and project management.Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles.Skill in the use of data to analyze trends and prepare reports for management decisions.Skill in directing and assessing the evaluation of behavioral health program services and implementing or recommending improvements.Skill in communication, meeting facilitation and public speaking.Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.Skill in program design, performance management, and quality improvement. Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others and effectively manage and motivate staff.Ability to make timely and effective decisions.Ability to lead in an environment of change.Ability to lead and mentor a high-performing team and promote accountability and collaboration.Initial screening criteriaBachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public health, psychology, sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field. Experience managing large complex teams may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.Extensive experience in government or non-profit programs, with behavioral health experience preferred, including leadership positions intersecting with contracts, procurements, program management, compliance, enforcement, and working with government or community-serving agencies.Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And VeteransMilitary 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 AccommodationsIn 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 EligibilityDepending 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 FormTelework DisclaimerThis 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.Nearest Major Market: Austin