SSLC Associate Commissioner

Job Description:
The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Associate Commissioner for State Supported Living Centers. The agency operates twelve state supported living centers serving approximately 2, individuals. Each of the centers is certified as an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability (ICF/IID). The associate commissioner is a senior level manager in the agency reporting to the Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Health and Specialty Care System and is responsible for effective and efficient administration of these thirteen residential facilities, which includes but is not limited to assuring the health, safety, care, training and treatment provided by each center meets the needs of the individuals served, reflects professionally accepted standards of practice and is delivered consistent with the facility’s ICF/IID certification and all relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations. The major responsibilities of the associate commissioner encompass direct service delivery, efficient human resource utilization, efficient budgeting and financial management and management of land and capital assets at each of the facilities.

The associate commissioner is also responsible for overseeing the state’s plan of improvement to meet compliance requirements of the state’s settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Essential Job Functions:
Duties of the position require effective working relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, including but not limited to family members of individuals receiving services in the facilities, advocacy groups, the Texas Legislature, other state and federal agencies, professional organizations, local authorities responsible for service coordination for persons with intellectual disabilities throughout the state agency leadership and the general public. Duties also include preparation of written reports and analysis of information responsive to inquiries from the Texas Legislature and the media.

In this senior administrative role, the associate commissioner works closely with the Deputy Executive Commissioner, division and agency leadership, colleagues and other agency officials and officials at the state’s Health and Human Services Commission to ensure continuous improvement of services and supports provided in the living centers and consistent execution of the agency’s goals and guiding principles. The position works with minimal supervision and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Essential characteristics of candidates who will be considered for this position include demonstrated skills and experience in management of large human services direct delivery organizations with preferred experience working in facilities serving persons with intellectual disabilities; demonstrated ability to provide oversight and direction to a service delivery system that is spread over a wide and diverse geographic area; and the capability and work experience to effectively determine when to apply uniformity or variance in management strategies based upon the unique needs, cultural characteristics, demographics and geographic location of each facility.

Additionally, the candidate must possess skills and experience in analysis and evaluation of complex program and policy issues and skills and experience in effective communications, working with people, negotiating among multiple parties, resolving conflicts, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The candidate for this position must possess current knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements affecting division programs and operations, knowledge of state legislative processes and knowledge of budget, financial and contract management.

In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position, the candidate should have relevant work experience that demonstrates the ability to develop and implement organizational vision to improve services in large, diverse human services settings and to successfully plan, organize, implement and monitor effective performance improvement efforts, including the ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions. Must be able to form effective and professional relationships with division and agency leadership.

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