Director I

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee 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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

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Brief Job Description:

Directs the activities of the Vital Statistics Reporting and Registration Branch, which oversees the statewide reporting of vital events and is responsible for the registration and records management of vital records (including births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, and registries for adoptions, paternity, and court of continuing jurisdiction). Work involves the areas of policy development, communications, customer relations, fraud prevention, data quality, records management, archives, and preservation. Work involves close coordination with other areas within the Department of State Health Services, and other state and federal agencies. Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with statutes and rules concerning vital records; and implements and monitors compliance. Plans, develops, and approves schedules and priorities for achieving timely, accurate, and secure reporting, registration, and records management; and directs evaluation activities. Develops short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for the Reporting and Registration Branch. Represents the agency at business meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences, and committees. Reviews results of special investigations and audits of Vital Statistics operations to provide direction and guidance. Works under minimal supervision of the Vital Statistics Section Director/State Registrar with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(40%) Directs the Reporting and Registration Branch within Vital Statistics Section. Develops and establishes goals and objectives consistent with the agency's strategic plan. Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with statutes and rules concerning vital records; and implements and monitors compliance. Plans, develops, and approves schedules and priorities for achieving timely, accurate, and secure order fulfillment; and directs evaluation activities. Develops short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans for the Reporting and Registration Branch. Recommends new and innovative approaches to better business practices and customer service delivery. Directs the preparation of production, status, budget and other reports for Reporting and Registration Branch in accordance with VSS and DSHS policy. Advises the State Registrar on staffing, legislative initiatives, administrative rules, technological advances, and budget funding for activities and operations related to Reporting and Registration Branch.

(25%) Directs personnel assigned to handle registration, records management, field services, and communications; communicating, interpreting, and executing VSS policies and procedures. Ensures that customer service operations are timely and accurately performed. Reviews guidelines, procedures, rules and regulations to ensure that program operations comply with the Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Family Code, Texas Administrative Code, various other State and federal Statutes and DSHS policies. Performs and assists with special assignments and investigations.

(20%) Gathers input regarding stakeholder needs to modify existing policies and procedures, and analyzes data to improve customer service operations. Directs the intake, assignment, processing and response to customer complaints and inquiries; implements solutions to complex systemic and programmatic processing problems identified from complaints and inquiries. Timely handles responses to complex matters related to customer issues. Communicates and advises the State Registrar regarding complex issues and problems that arise from customer complaints and inquiries and other customer related activities. Represents VSS and DSHS at business meetings, conferences, and on committees. Prepares briefing materials on behalf of the State Registrar, for agency management staff or others as requested.

(10%) Directs staff in the areas of field services & communications, registration & records management, and data & reporting. Management responsibilities include screening, interviewing and hiring staff, assigning work, developing performance standards, completing performance evaluations, counseling, recommending personnel or disciplinary actions and leave approval functions.

(5%) Performs related duties as assigned. Performs duties in the absence of the State Registrar, as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to vital statistics

Legislative Cycles and Fiscal Planning

Public Policy Development and Rulemaking

State legislative processes, state agency rule making process and public accountability systems

Strategic planning, budget management, Human Resources management and project management

Skill in:

Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support vital statistics

Managing multiple and competing priorities

Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and negotiation

Working collaboratively and cooperatively with colleagues

Writing analyses, documentation, proposals, plans, policies, procedures, standards, or reports

Ability to:

Direct and organize program activities and/or business functions

Interpret and apply relevant state and federal laws and regulations

Establish goals and objectives that support program and agency strategic plans

Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions

Develop and evaluate policies and procedures

Ability to work independently and deliver results in an environment of broad, consultative management

Supervise the work of others

Plan, organize, schedule, assign, and monitor completion of assigned projects

Present information to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing, and to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively

Adapt to change or modify behavior in response to changes in situations or priorities

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required:

4 Years’ experience planning, developing or managing multiple areas of responsibility in health and human services, public health, or related field.

2 Years’ experience selecting, managing or developing staff.

2 Years’ experience developing and implementing statutory/rule changes or associated policies and procedures.

Additional Information:

This is an onsite position. Agency salary policy, budget, and candidate's qualification will dictate final salary offer. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, and Work Eligibility:

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.  Download the I-9 form