Legislative Associate Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Functional Title: Associate Director Job Title: Director I Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: SOR Program Support Posting Number: 20596 Closing Date: 09/09/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Community and Social Services Salary Range: $6,377.50- $10,785.83 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-26 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 30% 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:
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) Forensic and Jail Diversion Services (FJDS) Unit seeks an Associate Director (Director I) to lead the day-to-day operations of assigned FJDS activities and perform complex managerial work. Working with considerable latitude, initiative, and independent judgment, the Associate Director oversees the development, implementation, and administration of programs under this position's team.
Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising, developing, and supporting personnel
• Leading strategic planning for program services
• Designing and implementing programs in response to funding and legislative requirements
• Overseeing quality management and improvement activities
• Preparing and submitting reports, documents, and responses to requests for information
• Researching and developing statewide and pilot programs based on evidence-based practices
• Developing legislative appropriations requests and analyzing legislative and policy proposals
• Providing testimony to legislative and other governmental bodies, as requested
• Writing grant applications
• Representing the division before stakeholder organizations and interagency and intra-agency workgroups

The position requires strong leadership, communication, analytical, writing, and organizational skills, as well as close attention to detail. The Associate Director must maintain knowledge of recovery-oriented services, engagement practices, and service-delivery systems that support individuals in need of forensic and jail diversion services. The position also performs other duties as assigned.
The Director I reports to the FJDS Director II and is located within the Adult, Crisis, and Forensic Mental Health Services Division of the Behavioral Health Services Department.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Manages and oversees the activities of a complex unit with highly specialized personnel responsible for strategic planning, policy, program and rule development, and all aspects of assigned program design, implementation activities, and operation of CRP. Manages and develops staff through performance data review, 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 achieving deliverables. (15%)
Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the CRP team. Directs the overall necessary design and planning, implementation, coordination, collaboration, and evaluation of assigned policies and programs and evaluation of forensic and jail diversion behavioral health statewide service delivery systems. Oversees the establishment of program goals, priorities, strategic planning, and design of new initiatives for the betterment of the program and the Behavioral Health Services division. Oversees the development of process improvement strategies and internal monitoring of efficiencies. (15%)
Researches, plans, designs, implements, and administers programs and initiatives to meet division objectives, including programs with multiple funding streams and large budgets. Works with other divisional units, state agencies and stakeholders. Reviews and evaluates the 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. (15%)
Oversees the quality of multiple forensic and jail diversion programs through monitoring and evaluation. Facilitates strategic routine and targeted technical assistance plans to ensure quality management and improvement. Ensures proper documentation of program staff's oversight efforts, including onsite and desk review, by developing and implementing effective reporting and documentation guidelines and processes. Supports the evaluation and critical thinking of the unit to aid in problem-solving and support program goals, objectives, and system requirements. (15%)
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 Section Directors and Associate Commissioner. (15%)
Oversees all program business functions, including contracting, finance, data, communications, policy, etc. Must understand the biannual budget, including monitoring budget expenditures, cost projections, forecasting, and utilization review. Must understand operational structures in state offices as well as of contracted providers. This includes oversight of the procurement and contract oversight for service delivery and administrative functions. (10%)
Ensures 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, accurate and complete, and of overall high quality. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of:

• Forensic services
• Jail diversion services
• Behavioral health crisis services, adult mental health programs, and substance use issues and services
• Recovery, resiliency, engagement and service delivery, including Texas Resilience and Recovery as it has rolled out in Texas.
• Basic knowledge of the criminal justice system, substance use treatment, prevention, and Medicaid programs/services in Texas.

Skill in:

• Effective verbal communication and public speaking
• Exceptional writing skills
• Data analysis and reporting, and qualitative interpretation of complex policy issues.
• Effective facilitation of contractors struggling with implementation of behavioral health services
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions to complex policy and implementation.

Ability to:

• Quickly comprehend complex issues and prioritize activities to meet strict deadlines
• Develop complex, detailed implementation plans
• Lead team projects and delegate tasks appropriate to accomplish team objectives
• Develop products to support the implementation of evidence-based practices
• Develop materials for training and technical assistance events
• Lead cross-functional work groups
• Support contracts related to behavioral health services, crisis, forensic, and jail diversion programs
• Develop statewide rules for program policy
• Guide and maintain strong relationships with diverse professionals and stakeholders

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
No licensure requirements. Mental health professional licensure is preferred.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Degree Required- Bachelor's degree in public health, psychology/sociology, social work, public affairs, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Master's degree is preferred.
Experience within the forensic and jail diversion system is preferred.
Experience using complex data sets and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.
Experience in direct provision or management/administration of public mental health services is preferred.
Experience with behavioral health rules and the development of contract language and experience managing large systems change initiatives is preferred.
Additional Information:
This position may be telework eligible. Please note that all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.
The candidate must reside in Texas or be willing to relocate to Texas before the hire date.
The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.
Disclaimer: Salary typically falls in the medium range of posting.
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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.