Assistant Unit Director

Brief Job Description

Join 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. Your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.
• Establishes and maintains positive, supportive relationships with employees, individuals served, family members and visitors in order to create an environment of caring, dignity and respect.
• Provides formal/informal supervision and support to unit staff in accordance with facility procedures to ensure the effective delivery of needed services (health, safety, individual support planning, etc.). Implements Positive Performance Management system per facility guidelines in order to improve staff performance, attendance and work behavior. Assists Unit Director in conducting performance evaluations of assigned staff in order to give employees timely feedback on their performance.
• Makes regular rounds/visits as required throughout the unit to monitor scheduled activities to ensure safety and implementation of levels of supervision, positive behavior support plans, physical/nutritional management plans, documentation of injuries, restraint documentation, cleanliness and appropriate staff to resident interactions.
• Makes sure the unit complies with internal and external audits and plans of correction to ensure safe environments that promote dignity and respect of individuals served.
• Takes action in regard to financial responsibilities such as annual budget planning, activity fund monitoring, trust fund oversight and property inventory.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of ICF/IID Standards, facility and departmental policies and procedures, Positive Performance Program and record-keeping procedures.
• Knowledgeable in the use of computers, Microsoft Office software and other business software, copiers, printers and fax machines.
• Proven ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner, with the ability to direct and instruct.
• Ability to work independently, to work cooperatively in a teamwork situation, to work harmoniously in general with co-workers and plan, assign and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, solve problems, make decisions, and use good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.
• Knowledge of basic residential services, program planning and training techniques.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of facility policies, DADS regulations, Settlement Agreement, Life Safety Code, ICF/IID, applicable building standards, etc.
• Knowledge of Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB) techniques with the ability to appropriately apply this knowledge as needed.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet work deadlines.
• Knowledge of program planning and training techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of ICF/IID Standards, facility and departmental policies and procedures, Positive Performance Program and record-keeping procedures.
• Knowledgeable in the use of computers, Microsoft Office software and other business software, copiers, printers and fax machines.
• Proven ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner, with the ability to direct and instruct.
• Ability to work independently, to work cooperatively in a teamwork situation, to work harmoniously in general with co-workers and plan, assign and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, solve problems, make decisions, and use good judgment when dealing with critical incidents.
• Knowledge of basic residential services, program planning and training techniques.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of facility policies, DADS regulations, Settlement Agreement, Life Safety Code, ICF/IID, applicable building standards, etc.
• Knowledge of Prevention and Management of Aggressive Behavior (PMAB) techniques with the ability to appropriately apply this knowledge as needed.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and meet work deadlines.
• Knowledge of program planning and training techniques.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• None

Initial Screening Criteria

• Three (3) years of work experience in health care or business administration, social work, or public health.
• Two (2) years of experience in a management position in a residential program area/home/unit in an ICF/IID residential facility serving more than 50 individuals.
• Prefers bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in health care administration, social work, public health, business administration, human resources, education or a related field.
• Direct supervisory experience in a program area/home/unit in an ICF/IID residential facility may substitute for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• 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 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.