Dept of State Health Services
Deputy Commissioner for Operations
Dept of State Health Services, Austin, TX
Job Description:
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Deputy Commissioner for Operations performs highly advanced managerial work providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the department by planning, directing, and coordinating operations functions that support the department's programs and services.
The Deputy Commissioner is a member of the DSHS executive team. The position leads and coordinates the department's operations functions including information resources/technology, system support, facilities management, business support and planning, human resources, training and development, workforce planning and strategy, and contract management services. The position serves as the primary point of contact and coordination for the agency in relation to administrative support services provided by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in the areas of information resources/technology, system support, human resources, facilities management, and procurement and contracting services. In addition to the coordination role, the Deputy Commissioner leads planning for future department operations needs and resolution of problems in these operations areas.
The Deputy Commissioner for Operations' job responsibilities include the development and implementation of operational plans; operational policy development; performance monitoring; executive level reporting and presentations; ensuring that resources are acquired appropriately and implemented effectively; project management and analysis; quality management initiatives/activities; employee engagement initiatives/activities; customer service; coordinating operations and support activities with the chief operating officer area of the HHS system; and responding to requests for information from the department and HHSC management as needed. The Deputy Commissioner directly supervises operations management staff and works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
(20%) Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the department's operations functions. As a member of the DSHS Executive Team, provides information, counsel, and support to other department executives and management on operations and support issues and concerns.
(25%) Leads and coordinates the department's operations functions including information resources/technology, system support, facilities management, business support and planning, human resources, training and development, workforce planning and strategy, and contract management services. Directs major operational initiatives for the department and serves as lead in the resolution for problems relating to operations issues. Serves as a liaison and primary point of coordination for department executive staff and HHSC administrative support services, specifically Information Technology, System Support Services, Procurement and Contracting Services. Plans and coordinates department facility needs with HHSC and the Texas Facilities Commission, including planning and management of leased space needs, facility maintenance and renovation, and major construction projects.
(20%) Directs planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Operations Division. Assesses and organizes the operations and support functions to meet necessary service levels for the department. Analyzes performance under the position's authority including reviewing results of audits, research studies, forecasts and modeling, and other evaluations to provide direction and guidance for the department's operations functions and the Operations Division. Supervises managers and staff persons including hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave.
(15%) Administers the Operations division's budget and ensures effective and efficient support of the department's programs and services. Develops and maintains an appropriate organizational structure that supports the needs of the department. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines, and monitors compliance. Assists in the development of the department's budget and Legislative Appropriations Request process in conjunction with agency executive management team.
(15%) Represents the department with HHSC, various state and external committees, other state and federal agencies, Department of Information Resources, Texas Facilities Commission, and other organizations regarding the department's operations. Makes presentations, attends work groups and committee meetings and provides information and testimony as needed to these entities.
(5%) Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to deal with various leadership styles.
• Knowledge of information technology concepts and processes.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, the budget process, cost recovery, and financial and contract management.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to department programs.
• Knowledge of state agency operations and processes, state government legal processes, and the Texas legislative process.
• Knowledge of and/or skill in contract lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of and/or skill in human resources best practices, state and federal laws and statutes
• Skill in planning, executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in managing multiple, complex and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem solving.
. Skill in management of time, people, and resources.
• Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Ability to develop, implement, communicate and lead an organizational vision, which integrates key goals, priorities, values, and other factors.
• Ability to promote and support creative thinking.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to lead, implement and balance change and continuity to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic state government framework.
• Ability to implement and use technology and work processes to enhance decision making
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• 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 organize ideas, people, tasks, and resources to complete projects on a given timeline.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Any of the following credentials are preferred:
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)
• Human Resources certification (SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR)
• Project Management Professional certification
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college/university is required. Master's degree is preferred.
Preference will be given to applicants with coursework in public administration, business, human resources management, information technology, or closely related subject.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time supervisory or management experience in one or more operational areas listed below is required. Eight (8) years' experience is preferred.
- Business Services
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Facilities Management
Additional Information:
• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• The final salary offer for this position must follow DSHS starting guidelines and will be based on candidate qualifications and program area budget at the time of hire.
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 [redacted]. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Deputy Commissioner for Operations performs highly advanced managerial work providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the department by planning, directing, and coordinating operations functions that support the department's programs and services.
The Deputy Commissioner is a member of the DSHS executive team. The position leads and coordinates the department's operations functions including information resources/technology, system support, facilities management, business support and planning, human resources, training and development, workforce planning and strategy, and contract management services. The position serves as the primary point of contact and coordination for the agency in relation to administrative support services provided by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in the areas of information resources/technology, system support, human resources, facilities management, and procurement and contracting services. In addition to the coordination role, the Deputy Commissioner leads planning for future department operations needs and resolution of problems in these operations areas.
The Deputy Commissioner for Operations' job responsibilities include the development and implementation of operational plans; operational policy development; performance monitoring; executive level reporting and presentations; ensuring that resources are acquired appropriately and implemented effectively; project management and analysis; quality management initiatives/activities; employee engagement initiatives/activities; customer service; coordinating operations and support activities with the chief operating officer area of the HHS system; and responding to requests for information from the department and HHSC management as needed. The Deputy Commissioner directly supervises operations management staff and works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
(20%) Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to the department's operations functions. As a member of the DSHS Executive Team, provides information, counsel, and support to other department executives and management on operations and support issues and concerns.
(25%) Leads and coordinates the department's operations functions including information resources/technology, system support, facilities management, business support and planning, human resources, training and development, workforce planning and strategy, and contract management services. Directs major operational initiatives for the department and serves as lead in the resolution for problems relating to operations issues. Serves as a liaison and primary point of coordination for department executive staff and HHSC administrative support services, specifically Information Technology, System Support Services, Procurement and Contracting Services. Plans and coordinates department facility needs with HHSC and the Texas Facilities Commission, including planning and management of leased space needs, facility maintenance and renovation, and major construction projects.
(20%) Directs planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Operations Division. Assesses and organizes the operations and support functions to meet necessary service levels for the department. Analyzes performance under the position's authority including reviewing results of audits, research studies, forecasts and modeling, and other evaluations to provide direction and guidance for the department's operations functions and the Operations Division. Supervises managers and staff persons including hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave.
(15%) Administers the Operations division's budget and ensures effective and efficient support of the department's programs and services. Develops and maintains an appropriate organizational structure that supports the needs of the department. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines, and monitors compliance. Assists in the development of the department's budget and Legislative Appropriations Request process in conjunction with agency executive management team.
(15%) Represents the department with HHSC, various state and external committees, other state and federal agencies, Department of Information Resources, Texas Facilities Commission, and other organizations regarding the department's operations. Makes presentations, attends work groups and committee meetings and provides information and testimony as needed to these entities.
(5%) Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
• Knowledge of the principles of leadership and how to deal with various leadership styles.
• Knowledge of information technology concepts and processes.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, the budget process, cost recovery, and financial and contract management.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to department programs.
• Knowledge of state agency operations and processes, state government legal processes, and the Texas legislative process.
• Knowledge of and/or skill in contract lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of and/or skill in human resources best practices, state and federal laws and statutes
• Skill in planning, executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in managing multiple, complex and competing priorities.
• Skill in problem solving.
. Skill in management of time, people, and resources.
• Skill in leadership, communication and public speaking.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
• Ability to develop, implement, communicate and lead an organizational vision, which integrates key goals, priorities, values, and other factors.
• Ability to promote and support creative thinking.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to lead, implement and balance change and continuity to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic state government framework.
• Ability to implement and use technology and work processes to enhance decision making
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
• 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 organize ideas, people, tasks, and resources to complete projects on a given timeline.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Any of the following credentials are preferred:
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)
• Human Resources certification (SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, PHR, SPHR)
• Project Management Professional certification
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library certification
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college/university is required. Master's degree is preferred.
Preference will be given to applicants with coursework in public administration, business, human resources management, information technology, or closely related subject.
2. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time supervisory or management experience in one or more operational areas listed below is required. Eight (8) years' experience is preferred.
- Business Services
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Facilities Management
Additional Information:
• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• The final salary offer for this position must follow DSHS starting guidelines and will be based on candidate qualifications and program area budget at the time of hire.
MOS Code:
There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities of this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the initial selection criteria for this position.
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 [redacted]. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS