• Job Description

  Req#: 4928767

  This position is part of the Office of Children Services leadership and management team. As such this position supports the functioning of the division, participates in strategic planning and implementation, provides coverage and support for programs in the division, is cross-trained across all division programs, represents the Division in cross-department, cross County and community initiatives, boards and work groups. Is trained and prepared to provide support during a local disaster response. Is required to work effectively in a management team that prioritizes positive engagement, active collaboration, is strengths focused, and creates a safe environment for innovation. This position requires complex, and independent decision making, the ability to work independently, be solutions focused and able to resolve barriers and/or formulate a plan to address or resolve barriers. The position requires a high level of flexibility, an ability to multi-task and pivot to new priorities. This position is best supported by a candidate who embraces and demonstrates servant leadership. This position is expected to have skills, knowledge, and ability in these key areas: program oversight and administration; management of personnel; fiscal oversight including a program budget; data collection, interpreting and reporting; and grant writing and management. This position will provide administrative support to the Behavioral Health & System of Care unit of the division overseeing both The Children’s Partnership program that includes County and community staff and the management of the Community Resource Coordination Group. This position oversees nine County staff positions. This position requires the applicant to have experience, knowledge and expertise in children’s behavioral health; in-depth knowledge of local resources; and the skills, education and training to develop and oversee the implementation of complex mental health support plans for children, youth and families. The qualified candidate will have been trained in and able to implement the System of Care and Wraparound service modality.

  Directs the overall operations and staff of comprehensive and complex social services programs. Directs the day-to-day operations through subordinate managers. Plans and develops policies, procedures and programs to accomplish goals and objectives. Oversees and performs managerial, consultative, technical and administrative work, develops and recommends strategic plans and new program initiatives, and directs and manages unit budget.

  
  

  DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

  This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is responsible for directing the operations and staff of a comprehensive and complex social servicesunit. This classification is distinguished from the Social Services Manager by the responsibility for developing strategic plans, goals and objectives, initiatives, and budget for a large, comprehensive, complex -units that includes multiple programs. The classification has a broad scope of operational and staff responsibility and typically directs through subordinate managers.

  • Directs the planning and operations of a comprehensive and complex social services unit that includes two programs. Directs subordinate managers and staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, disciplinary actions and dismissals, ensuring activities are consistent with policies, procedures, laws, regulations, goals and objectives. Creates opportunities for improved performance, learning and development of staff, and identifies and addresses problems or conflicts.

  • Directs and participates in the planning, developing and establishing of goals and objectives. Develops strategic plans, policies and programs to accomplish the goals and objectives.

  • Directs the service delivery and program operations. Oversees the establishing of procedures and priorities and directs the monitoring of activities and assignments to achieve desired results. Resolves problems.

  • Evaluates effectiveness of programs and operations and develops new and modified initiatives to improve effectiveness. Directs the implementation and monitoring of new and existing programs.

  • Provides high-level technical advice, policy interpretation and guidance for application of appropriate procedures to managers and other staff.

  • Directs and participates in development of annual -unit budget. Directs ongoing administration of approved budget and oversees expenditures. Prepares proposals for funding or funding continuation, as required.

  • Represents the organization and collaborates with governmental and public agency representatives, community outreach and advocacy groups, service providers and others. Plans, develops and directs a variety of community development and community organizing activities. Identifies and resolves service gaps and barriers, stimulates interest in programs and services. Presents to the Commissioner’s Court on behavioral health issues impacting children, youth and their families in our community.

  • Directs the development of, and participation in training and education programs for clients, social service providers, community organizations and others.

  • Prepares periodic reports, financial analysis and statistical reports on program activities, results and performance.

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

  Education and Experience:

  Bachelor’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field AND seven (7) years increasingly responsible experience in social services, including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience;

  OR,

  Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

  Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

  Valid Texas Driver’s License.

  Preferred:

  Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Sciences or a directly related field.

  Master’s degree in Social or Behavioral Science with licensure or in the process of obtaining licensure as a practitioner of the healing arts.

  Applicant with a minimum of 10 years experience in the social services field

  Applicant with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience including that of subordinate managers

  Knowledge of:

  • Management and supervisory principles, practices and techniques.

  • Program administration and oversight techniques.

  • Policies, practices and procedures within area of assignment.

  • Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.

  • Advocacy groups, social service providers and community outreach organizations with a focus in behavioral health.

  • Budgetary practices and techniques.

  • Modern office practices, procedures and methods.

  • Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.

  • Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

  • Will be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

  • Behavioral health needs of children, youth and their families

  Skill in:

  • Strategic planning, development, monitoring and evaluation of social service programs and services.

  • Supervising others, allocating resources and evaluating programs.

  • Leadership and community collaboration.

  • Problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Developing and monitoring program budgets.

  • Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.

  • Both verbal and written communication, including presentations.

  Ability to:

  • Direct, motivate, train, develop and evaluate staff.
  • Serve as technical consultant and liaison.
  • Create and recommend program initiatives.
  • Prepare administrative and statistical reports.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Work independently.
  • Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
  • Deal effectively with mentally ill or emotionally distressed individuals undergoing acute episodes, who may also be hostile and aggressive.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, and the general public.
  • Create a positive work environment where staff feel heard, understood and respected

  Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

  Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

  Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday. May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends

  Teleworking: Position can telework for a portion of the work week depending on the needs of the unit.

  Location: 5325 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751

  Department: Health & Human Services

  Criminal background check, driving, education, and employment verification are required

  
  

  This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

• About the company

  Travis County is located in south central Texas.

Notice