Unit Director

Date: Mar 4, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement, and more.

Functional Title: Unit Director
Job Title: Manager IV - DRS UD
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: New Horizons - Admin
Posting Number: 14541
Closing Date: 03/18/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $6,416.67 - $9,508.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25
Shift: Day
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers. If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

The Unit Director performs highly complex managerial work administering and overseeing the daily operations, programming and activities of a cluster of homes at the designated State Supported Living Center (SSLC). Responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating residential services in the assigned homes to ensure active treatment, health, safety and the pursuit of personal goals for the individuals residing in the unit.
• Ensuring services such as psychology/behavioral services, active treatment/vocational services, nursing, medical, and qualified intellectual disabilities services are well integrated.
• Ensuring that the structure, staffing, and operations of all residential and program services conform with nationally accepted best practices and all relevant laws.
• Establishing goals and objectives, proactively addressing potential issues, and providing solutions focused on continuous quality improvement.
• Conferring with local SSLC leadership to develop strategic plans and long- and short-term goals for the assigned homes.
• Responding to crisis/emergency situations and taking immediate action to resolve the issue(s).
• Actively participating in meetings to represent the assigned homes.
• Working under limited supervision of the Assistant Director of Programs (ADOP) or Director of Residential Services (DRS), with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
• Managing all programming and treatment functions of the home, supervising staff in varying disciplines.
• Hiring, developing, managing, scheduling, and setting priorities for staff.
• Ensuring an adequate and well-trained workforce.
• Serving as Administrator on Duty in rotation and being on-call as needed.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of Texas Administrative Code, HHSC policies, the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, and Life Safety Code.
• Experience ensuring quality services, treatment, training, and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Knowledge of behavior support plans, skill acquisition plans, and psychiatric support plans.
• Knowledge of medications used to assist with positive behavior supports and systems to track treatment effectiveness.
• Knowledge of a trauma-informed approach to care.
• Skill in working with ICF/IID standards and applicable rules and laws.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
• Skill in developing, implementing and evaluating administrative policies and procedures.
• Skill in managing a large group of staff members and coaching others.
• Skill in leading and motivating staff and effectively implementing programs.
• Skill in using computers and agency/facility software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Skill in overseeing an interdisciplinary team (IDT) process.
• Ability to present information to top management, public groups and/or other organizations.
• Ability to manage functions and activities of a residential unit with multiple disciplines.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, organize workload, and set priorities.
• Ability to manage crisis/emergency situations effectively.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and make effective decisions.
• Ability to manage time with considerable latitude for independent judgment.
• Ability to make independent and sound technical judgments.
• Ability to work in a team environment and to train, schedule, supervise, and prioritize the work of others.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, conduct root cause analysis, and devise solutions.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures and written manuals.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
• At least one (1) year of experience leading, directing, or managing multiple staff members.

• Four (4) years of experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
• At least one (1) year of experience leading, directing, or managing multiple staff members.

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; the position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours, and 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 occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are 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 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 online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at . 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.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin

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