Director of Programs - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

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Functional Title: Director of Programs - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)
Job Title: Program Management Spec II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Residential Care Supervisor G
Posting Number: 19778
Closing Date: 11/08/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $7,916.66- $10,785.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Rio Grande State Center
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 2611,8058,8060,8848,16KX,32EX,611X,612X,63A,63AX,641X,712X,SEI16

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Program Director plays a critical leadership role, leading, managing, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care and recovery services. This position involves working with clinical services, rehabilitation services, nursing department, and the direct care support staff to ensure all aspects of patient recovery programs are aligned with our mission statement, vision goals, and individual needs. Emphasis on adopting a holistic approach, utilizing a therapeutic milieu to promote the overall well-being of patients by addressing their physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of recovery. Provides expert guidance, program management, and consultation to recovery team members, staff, and program stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment for patient care. This position requires a dynamic leader commitment achieving established goals and program excellence.

Perfoms other duties as assigned. 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 or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This postion may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Plans, initiates, coordinates, and builds cohesive interdisciplinary programming. Collaborate with program stakeholders and Quality Management to systematically evaluate the consistent implementation of programs, services and plans for the patients through review of documentation and outcomes. Oversees the implementation of new recovery curriculum and programs, ensuring alignment with patient care goals. Designs initiatives that provide patients with opportunities to maximize their independence, enhance their abilities, and support their recovery journey. Considers patient needs and incorporates adaptive solutions to create effective therapeutic interventions.

Assists in the establishment of clear, measurable, and strategic program goals, standards, and objectives for the Texas State Hospitals in collaboration with the Director of Programs. Ensures that these objectives are consistent with the mission of improving patient outcomes and enhancing the delivery of therapeutic services. Engages in data-driven decision-making to create actionable and sustainable frameworks for program success. Regularly reviews program processes, outcomes, and overall functionality. Identifies areas for improvement and leads implementation of changes to enhance patient care and optimize outcomes.

Designs and delivers staff training and support to maintain evidence-based practices. Utilizes creativity and innovation to develop new ideas, techniques, and approaches for programs and services. Monitors program delivery through direct observation and offers training to enhance staff competencies and service quality. Ensure that continuing education is available for clinical staff to improve their knowledge base and provides educational opportunities for employee growth and development.

Evaluates the effectiveness and direction of existing programs, procedures, and processes to ensure they achieve desired outcomes. Conducts thorough analyses of program applications and variations, identifying opportunities for enhancement. Develops detailed action plans to improve existing programs or introduce innovative initiatives that address unmet needs.

Provides professional consultation to clinical and non-clinical staff, empowering them to deliver optimal patient care while fostering a culture of collaboration. Ensuring and managing the cohesive methodology amongst the multidisciplinary services provided by their State Hospital by generating and compiling data and leading monthly meetings.

Oversees and leads the programming implementation and management of new and existing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals to align with evolving program goals and objectives. Ensures documentation is clear, comprehensive, and accurate.

Recommends, develops, and manages standards for all programs and ensures they comply with applicable regulations, standards, and hospital goals. Maintains a focus on quality improvement to uphold the highest standards of care. Supports the facility in meeting Joint Commission standards. Actively cultivates a work environment that contributes to the achievement of the hospital’s goals and competencies.

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 or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Ability to research and implement evidence-based programs; establish program goals and objectives; exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions; to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues; to demonstrate negotiation and facilitation skills; to identify project risks and gaps; to prepare reports; and to communicate effectively.

Knowledge of SH operations and services including the Agency's strategic plan, policies, SH standards, programs, and critical issues.

Knowledge or experience in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

Skills in program management monitoring, in addressing changes in scope or timing, and in operating computers and applicable software.

Skill in establishing and implementing policies and procedures.

Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex work programs and policy issues.

Skill in building collaborative relationships, proposing and initiating transformational change in partnership with various parts of the behavioral health system.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication and public speaking practices appropriate for audiences ranging from executives, community leaders to program staff and patients.

Skill in helping teams manage multiple and competing priorities in a fast-paced and complex environment.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both in spoken and written word, and to make presentations and lead committees.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of organizations, agencies, and providers.

Ability to conduct research and engage in analyzing, reporting, and interpreting complex behavioral health data sets for various audiences and present analysis to executives, program management and other stakeholders.

Ability to implement organizational vision to improve services provided.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology, social work, nursing, rehabilitation, public health, public administration, healthcare administration, hospital administration, business administration, law, special education, or related areas. Two years in a supervisory role providing mental health programming. One year policy development and data analysis. Experience may run concurrently.

OR

Minimum of five (5) year’s total work experience in mental health programing services. Two years in a role with duties relating to evidenced based treatments

AND

Two (2) years’ experience in a lead or supervisory role, managing, supporting, and providing mental health programming. Two years of experience related to CMS conditions of participation, The Joint Commission standards or other acute or hospital settings. One year experience in policy development and data analysis. Experience may run concurrently.

Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

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 View phone number on us.fitly.work. 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.