Deputy Commissioner of Infectious Disease Prevention
About the role
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) for the Infectious Disease Prevention Division is under the direction of the Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Works under limited direction and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Responsibilities
Establishing goals and objectives related to the daily activities of the IDP Division which consists of the HIV/STD Section, Tuberculosis and Hansen's Disease Unit, Immunization Section, and Pharmacy Unit. Division’s work involves developing guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating division activities; developing and evaluating budget requests and monitoring budget expenditures.
Directs the day-to-day operations of the division, including the financial, administrative, and programmatic activities of the division. Oversees the development, review, and implementation of program policies, state and federal budgets, and contractual agreements. Plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates policies and procedures, and monitors compliance related to IDP.
Manages continuous process improvement for IDP.
Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of the IDP staff, including hiring (prepares position descriptions and interview questions), performance and conduct management, coaching, rewarding merit increases, promotions etc., and assigning and/or reassigning duties. Develops and approves schedules and priorities for direct reports. Identifies and manages direct reports' professional development, performance evaluations, time and leave records, telework (as allowed by DSHS policy), travel, and required training; addresses employee concerns in a timely manner, ensuring follow-up and follow through on the concerns.
Consults with HHS Human Resources, Legal, and internal business partners as necessary, to ensure compliance with policies and guidance.
Testifies at public meetings and legislative hearings representing the IDP division. Makes presentations and provides information and testimony to legislative offices and/or legislative committees, other state and federal agencies, and other organizations regarding the Division’s programs and services. Oversees the development and approval of all legislative documents. Ensures cross-division coordination with other DSHS executives as it relates to joint projects. May represent DSHS and IDP at meetings, conferences, and seminars or on boards, panels, and committees.
Captains the development and execution of specific activities ensuring alignment with the agency's vision, mission, and values to accomplish the agency’s goals and objectives. Provides information and counsel to DSHS executives and management on programmatic trends and emerging issues and their impact.
Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, administration, or closely related field.
A minimum of at least five (5) years of management experience.
Qualifications
An advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field, preferred.
Experience in public health services/systems.
Experience managing complex programs and staff.
Experience testifying at the Texas Legislature, preferred.
Skills
Executing and evaluating complex programs, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Managing multiple and competing priorities.
Problem solving.
The management of organizational resources.
Leadership, oral and written communication, and public speaking.
Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Demonstrating strong leadership, team building, and interpersonal abilities.
Promoting and supporting creative thinking.
Understanding and effectively interpreting agency and program rules and policies.
Navigating agency procedures and processes to reach desired outcomes.
Expressing facts, ideas, and negotiating with internal/external individuals and groups.
Building, establishing, and maintaining effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, providers, stakeholders, elected officials, and coalitions.
Making timely and effective decisions.
Producing results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of policies and programs.
Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).