Deputy Regional Director
Texas Department of State Health Services, Harlingen, TX, United States
Functional Title
Deputy Regional Director
Job Title Director IV
Agency Dept of State Health Services
Department Region 11
Posting Number 12254
Closing Date 07/15/2026
Job Location 601 W SESAME DR, HARLINGEN, TX
Other Locations Harlingen; Cameron; McAllen
Telework Not Eligible for Telework
Travel Up to 25%
Full Time/Part Time Full time
Post Type Regular
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
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). For more information, visit the DSHS Careers Page. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when applying to Texas Jobs.
Job Description Under the direction of the Regional Medical Director (RMD), works with the RMD to provide overall strategic and programmatic direction of the region. Provides advanced (senior-level) leadership in planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring all operational activities of the region. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for the managerial direction of comprehensive evidence-informed public health programs and services for the region. Responsible for policy interpretation and guidance, development of processes and procedures, coordinating services with local health departments and partners, and regularly monitoring the use of resources to impact public health. In the absence of the RMD, the Deputy Regional Director will act on their behalf, except in situations that under law or applicable policy require a licensed physician. Directly supervises assigned team members. Provides daily leadership to regional programs, facilitating meetings and communicating with internal and external public health partners to meet objectives and maintain essential public health services. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies.
Essential Job Functions
Programmatic Operations (30%) Provides direction and guidance to senior regional program managers, including but not limited to Environmental and Consumer Inspections, Population-based programs, Regional Administration, and Specialized Health and Social Services.
Responsible for programmatic oversight, management, and evaluation of program activities to assure effective and efficient use of regional resources to meet program goals.
Ensures senior program managers develop work plans and utilize strategic planning tools to collaborate across programs to meet goals/objectives and evaluate each program’s overall effectiveness in addressing identified community needs.
Ensures programmatic performance measures are accomplished through timely and accurate submittal of reports/documents and develops corrective action plans to remediate deficiencies.
Identifies and implements changes to improve program operations.
Leads the development and implementation of special public health initiatives.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Human Resources (30%) Supervises, mentors, and coaches senior program managers within assigned programs and the Regional Administration team.
Ensures compliance with Health and Human Services HR policies by providing direction in collaboration with HHS HR and Legal representatives for hiring, promotion, organizational change, time and leave, merit rewards, administrative leave, performance reviews, performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, reasonable accommodation requests, and discrimination complaints.
Assures regional new employee orientation, staff development opportunities, and continued required licensure training and program accountability for staff.
Maintains compliance with DSHS policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Budget Management (20%) Oversight of regional program budgets including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, ensuring funds are expended within approved budget, and communicating with DSHS leadership about budget challenges.
Reviews and approves regional purchases, claims forms, and expenditures.
Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information, including participation in developing legislative appropriate requests.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Community Outreach Partnerships (10%) Promote collaboration with community partners to ensure appointment of local health authorities and establishment of community coalitions that increase public health essential services in communities without a local health department.
Represents the agency and provides information on public health operations at community meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences and seminars, or on boards, panels, and committees.
Liaison between DSHS Division Offices and local health departments and community partners.
Facilitates major initiatives and services involving multiple public health jurisdictions to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Facility and Resource Management (5%) Oversees and manages coordination with HHSC Regional Administrative Services (RAS) to ensure all regional offices provide a safe working environment and coordinate lease renewal or acquisition of new facilities.
Ensures state-provided resources are distributed, tracked, maintained and inventoried for regional team members to complete essential job functions.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Public Health Emergency/Disaster Response/Recovery (5%) Required to carry a state-cell phone and be on-call 24 hours/7 days a week/365 days a year to respond to public health emergencies and other operational requests.
Ensures appropriate public health responses to routine and emergency issues.
May be required to work other than normal business hours, alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location to respond to emergencies.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/continuity of operations activation – requires completion of at least Incident Command System 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 courses.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Initial Screening Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or related field (required).
Master’s or Doctoral degree in a related field (preferred).
At least 5 years’ experience working in a public health setting with increasing responsibilities and a leadership role (required).
Experience in Budget Management (required).
Experience in personnel management, with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience (required).
Experience managing multiple programs in a public health or healthcare setting (preferred).
Experience developing and managing contracts (preferred).
Experience in disaster response activities (preferred).
Certified in Public Health, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES or MCHES); Community Health Worker (CHW); or other public health related certification (preferred).
Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required)
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver license, or equivalent license from another state.
Certified in Public Health, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES or MCHES); Community Health Worker (CHW); or other public health related certification, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required)
Knowledge of the structure and functions of Texas local, regional and state public health structure.
Knowledge of evidence-informed public health practices and guidelines.
Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public health.
Management methods utilized in public administration.
Knowledge and skill in applying principles and techniques of administration and supervision.
Budgeting and contracting procedures.
Problem resolution methods and ability to facilitate resolution plans.
Leading, mentoring, coaching and supervising direct reports.
Devising and developing solutions to administrative and personnel problems.
Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Strategic planning and implementation.
Applying human resource policies, budget allocation and funding procedures.
Planning, directing and coordinating the work of public health programs.
Verbal, written, and presentation skills to communicate effectively with team members and partners.
Fostering an environment of trust and active learning.
Continuous improvement.
Direct and guide including planning, organizing, coordinating and facilitating multiple priorities, projects and programs.
Interpret and apply statutes and regulations to operations.
Think strategically about health issues facing the community and find creative solutions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, executives, regional staff, and public health partners.
Maintain effective public relations when coordinating activities among public, private and professional groups.
Promote, model and foster all of DSHS’s Guiding Principles and Ethics policies.
Effectively evaluate, analyze, plan, monitor, coordinate and implement regional initiatives.
Independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
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.
Nearest Major Market Brownsville
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title Director IV
Agency Dept of State Health Services
Department Region 11
Posting Number 12254
Closing Date 07/15/2026
Job Location 601 W SESAME DR, HARLINGEN, TX
Other Locations Harlingen; Cameron; McAllen
Telework Not Eligible for Telework
Travel Up to 25%
Full Time/Part Time Full time
Post Type Regular
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
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). For more information, visit the DSHS Careers Page. Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when applying to Texas Jobs.
Job Description Under the direction of the Regional Medical Director (RMD), works with the RMD to provide overall strategic and programmatic direction of the region. Provides advanced (senior-level) leadership in planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring all operational activities of the region. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for the managerial direction of comprehensive evidence-informed public health programs and services for the region. Responsible for policy interpretation and guidance, development of processes and procedures, coordinating services with local health departments and partners, and regularly monitoring the use of resources to impact public health. In the absence of the RMD, the Deputy Regional Director will act on their behalf, except in situations that under law or applicable policy require a licensed physician. Directly supervises assigned team members. Provides daily leadership to regional programs, facilitating meetings and communicating with internal and external public health partners to meet objectives and maintain essential public health services. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to public health emergencies.
Essential Job Functions
Programmatic Operations (30%) Provides direction and guidance to senior regional program managers, including but not limited to Environmental and Consumer Inspections, Population-based programs, Regional Administration, and Specialized Health and Social Services.
Responsible for programmatic oversight, management, and evaluation of program activities to assure effective and efficient use of regional resources to meet program goals.
Ensures senior program managers develop work plans and utilize strategic planning tools to collaborate across programs to meet goals/objectives and evaluate each program’s overall effectiveness in addressing identified community needs.
Ensures programmatic performance measures are accomplished through timely and accurate submittal of reports/documents and develops corrective action plans to remediate deficiencies.
Identifies and implements changes to improve program operations.
Leads the development and implementation of special public health initiatives.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Human Resources (30%) Supervises, mentors, and coaches senior program managers within assigned programs and the Regional Administration team.
Ensures compliance with Health and Human Services HR policies by providing direction in collaboration with HHS HR and Legal representatives for hiring, promotion, organizational change, time and leave, merit rewards, administrative leave, performance reviews, performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, reasonable accommodation requests, and discrimination complaints.
Assures regional new employee orientation, staff development opportunities, and continued required licensure training and program accountability for staff.
Maintains compliance with DSHS policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures Standards, and a current valid Texas Driver's License.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Budget Management (20%) Oversight of regional program budgets including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, ensuring funds are expended within approved budget, and communicating with DSHS leadership about budget challenges.
Reviews and approves regional purchases, claims forms, and expenditures.
Responds to legislative inquiries and requests for information, including participation in developing legislative appropriate requests.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Community Outreach Partnerships (10%) Promote collaboration with community partners to ensure appointment of local health authorities and establishment of community coalitions that increase public health essential services in communities without a local health department.
Represents the agency and provides information on public health operations at community meetings, hearings, legislative sessions, conferences and seminars, or on boards, panels, and committees.
Liaison between DSHS Division Offices and local health departments and community partners.
Facilitates major initiatives and services involving multiple public health jurisdictions to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Facility and Resource Management (5%) Oversees and manages coordination with HHSC Regional Administrative Services (RAS) to ensure all regional offices provide a safe working environment and coordinate lease renewal or acquisition of new facilities.
Ensures state-provided resources are distributed, tracked, maintained and inventoried for regional team members to complete essential job functions.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Public Health Emergency/Disaster Response/Recovery (5%) Required to carry a state-cell phone and be on-call 24 hours/7 days a week/365 days a year to respond to public health emergencies and other operational requests.
Ensures appropriate public health responses to routine and emergency issues.
May be required to work other than normal business hours, alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location to respond to emergencies.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet agency’s obligations for disaster response/recovery/continuity of operations activation – requires completion of at least Incident Command System 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 courses.
Requires the ability to independently travel throughout Texas to complete essential job functions.
Initial Screening Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or related field (required).
Master’s or Doctoral degree in a related field (preferred).
At least 5 years’ experience working in a public health setting with increasing responsibilities and a leadership role (required).
Experience in Budget Management (required).
Experience in personnel management, with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience (required).
Experience managing multiple programs in a public health or healthcare setting (preferred).
Experience developing and managing contracts (preferred).
Experience in disaster response activities (preferred).
Certified in Public Health, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES or MCHES); Community Health Worker (CHW); or other public health related certification (preferred).
Licensure, Certification or Registration (Required)
Must possess a valid Class C Texas driver license, or equivalent license from another state.
Certified in Public Health, Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES or MCHES); Community Health Worker (CHW); or other public health related certification, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Required)
Knowledge of the structure and functions of Texas local, regional and state public health structure.
Knowledge of evidence-informed public health practices and guidelines.
Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public health.
Management methods utilized in public administration.
Knowledge and skill in applying principles and techniques of administration and supervision.
Budgeting and contracting procedures.
Problem resolution methods and ability to facilitate resolution plans.
Leading, mentoring, coaching and supervising direct reports.
Devising and developing solutions to administrative and personnel problems.
Using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Strategic planning and implementation.
Applying human resource policies, budget allocation and funding procedures.
Planning, directing and coordinating the work of public health programs.
Verbal, written, and presentation skills to communicate effectively with team members and partners.
Fostering an environment of trust and active learning.
Continuous improvement.
Direct and guide including planning, organizing, coordinating and facilitating multiple priorities, projects and programs.
Interpret and apply statutes and regulations to operations.
Think strategically about health issues facing the community and find creative solutions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, executives, regional staff, and public health partners.
Maintain effective public relations when coordinating activities among public, private and professional groups.
Promote, model and foster all of DSHS’s Guiding Principles and Ethics policies.
Effectively evaluate, analyze, plan, monitor, coordinate and implement regional initiatives.
Independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
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.
Nearest Major Market Brownsville
#J-18808-Ljbffr