Associate Director, Suicide Prevention Policy and Services
Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, United States
Date: Mar 30, 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title:
Associate Director, Suicide Prevention Policy and Services
Job Title:
Director I
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department:
SUD Prevention Program
Posting Number:
15417
Closing Date:
04/13/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Management
Salary Range:
$6,377.50 - $10,785.83
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-26
Shift:
Day
Travel:
Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City:
AUSTIN
Job Location Address:
4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
Austin
MOS Codes:
8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0,97E0,SEI15
Brief Job Description Director I, functionally known as the Associate Director of Suicide Prevention Policy and Services (SPPS), will report directly to the Deputy Associate Commissioner (Director III) of the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion Team (PBHP DAC) in the Substance Use Programs (SUP) Unit of Behavioral Health Services (BHS). Director I: Performs advanced (senior level) managerial work, providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and program planning with a focus on suicide prevention. This position establishes goals and objectives for the suicide prevention team that align with PBHP, SUP, and BHS goals and strategies for operations, in alignment with enhancing the Texas Behavioral Health Prevention System and the continuum of care. This position will serve on the PBHP leadership team in an Associate Director capacity, assisting in the strategic development and growth of PBHP, and represent PBHP in internal and external meetings, work groups, trainings, and/or events. Work involves establishing the strategic plan, goals, and objectives specific to suicide prevention; providing leadership to the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council’s (SBHCC) Suicide Prevention Subcommittee; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting suicide prevention goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions to ensure effective resource allocation. This position will be key in driving transformational change by aligning vision, engaging stakeholders, leading a team of skilled subject matter experts and will serve as the State Suicide Prevention Coordinator and serve as the agency’s statutorily designated Youth Suicide Prevention Officer. Additional responsibilities include supervising staff who design, implement, and oversee suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention programs, training, and technical assistance. Using data to make data-informed decisions about the need for new suicide prevention initiatives targeting specific communities in Texas, or populations at greatest risk of suicide. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Attends work on a regular and predictive schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 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 need.
Essential Job Functions EFJ 1 - Operations (30%) The Director I provides assistance, consultation, and direction to the PBHP DAC to ensure policies, procedures, and processes related to suicide prevention are in compliance with HHSC guidance and legal mandates as they occur. Provides leadership, supports, develops, and guides the SPPS team, in accordance with the policies and practices of the department and agency. Provides consultation, direction, and coaching on staff development matters, develop performance measures, review and complete performance evaluations, and manages the oversight of SPSS projects, programs, and initiatives. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, scheduling and approving leave, and facilitating team meetings. Responsible for ensuring staff training is adequate and timely. This position will be responsible for approving the development and oversight of contracts, tracking grant expenditures, approving reports submitted to federal organizations about the progress of the grants, and guiding staff in developing program metrics, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation. Coordinates the development and implementation of HHSC activities and functions that improve and enhance collaboration and partnerships between HHSC and external partners, including other state agencies, Texas academic institutions, medical institutions, professional licensing boards, and local government agencies. Interfaces with partners to coordinate policy development and analysis that involves State HHS issues pertaining to suicide prevention. Escalates issues to executive management as appropriate for decision-making or resolution.
EFJ 2 - Strategy (30%) Works in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to establish the vision for SPSS in Texas and ensure it is in alignment with PBHP and BHS goals. This includes identifying programs and practices to recommend for funding as well as providing assistance, consultation and direction to PBHP DAC to ensure programs and services funded, policies, procedures and processes comply with HHSC guidance and legal mandates as they occur. Identifies opportunities to increase reach of the program including identifying and applying for grant funds and partnering with potential funders. Reviews changes in federal and state legislation affecting suicide prevention and coordinates with budget and fiscal departments to determine the impact to BHS. Stays current on suicide prevention best, promising, and evidence-based practices and analyzes data to forecast areas of the state that require targeted or enhanced suicide prevention interventions or initiatives. Coordinates and executes the promotion of SPPS initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. Supports and ensures the delivery of prevention programs and services throughout Texas. Implements initiatives and projects with external partners that support suicide prevention and PBHP in achieving their HHSC goals and objectives.
EFJ 3 - Collaboration (20%) Works on cross-agency and HHS projects as assigned by the PBHP DAC related to suicide prevention, substance use prevention, behavioral health promotion and corresponding workforce. Reviews proposed federal and state statutes and regulations impacting HHS agencies and provides consultation and guidance to ensure compliance. Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Responsible for the development and update of the state plans and any toolkits, guides, or published resources. This position is responsible for partnering with state agencies, HHSC contractors, the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, non-profit organizations, and others with a vested interest in suicide to adopt these documents and use the content to inform the development and implementation of their own suicide prevention policy, services, trainings, and technical assistance. Works collaboratively across PBHP, BHS, and other HHSC departments to develop an integrated prevention system and enhances programs and services.
EFJ 4 - Liaison (10%) Serves on advisory boards as requested. This position will guide the operation of and provide subject matter expertise to the SBHCC’s suicide prevention subcommittee to fulfill it’s mission to focus on statewide suicide prevention efforts using information collected by the SBHCC from available sources of suicide data reports. This position will inform the subcommittee’s development of guidelines for the use of data to inform SBHCC suicide prevention policy, services, training, and technical assistance. Attends council or committee meetings as needed. Responds to legislative correspondence and requests, ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Represents SPPS and PBHP on external councils, committees, or workgroups. Provides updates to legislative leadership and executive management.
EFJ 5 - Resource (10%) This position, in consultation with the DAC, supports the advancement of the behavioral health services system with a specific focus on public health, prevention, and the suicide prevention continuum, through participating in the exceptional item process, formulating statutory initiatives, meeting with legislative offices to provide information that may inform bill making, and responding to legislative inquiries. Represents Behavioral Health Services and HHSC at legislative hearings, meetings, and conferences. May testify and serve as a resource witness. Completes other duties as assigned in accordance with the direction of the PBHP DAC.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Or Certifications None
Knowledge Skills Abilities Knowledge of:
Best practices for suicide prevention in behavioral health services, including evidence based programs, interventions and treatments;
Developing large, complex integrated behavorial health systems and programs using public health models and frameworks;
Guiding large-scale change initatives that integate prevention strategies, policy, evidence based practices, organizational and community needs;
Public administration and management techniques;
Principles of health and human services policy and planning;
Principles of leadership and interaction with various leadership styles;
State and federal rules, statute, and governing best practices in grant management; and
The behavioral health, substance use, and prevention continuum of care.
Skills In
Strategic planning and thinking big picture to establish a clear vision and direction for suicide prevention within the larger context of PBHP;
Developing, writing and editing executive documents, briefings, reports, slide decks, impact statements/reports, legislative reports, grant applications and reports;
Identifying problems such as performance improvement issues with implementing best practices for prevention and implementing solutions to organizational and service delivery problems;
Problem solving and conflict resolution;
Navigating complex change with a steady, strategic approach that builds trust and drives innovation, adoption and integration;
Developing and implementing communications strategies;
Managing multiple and competing priorities;
Leadership, effective communication public speaking and impactful writing; and
The use of computer software, specifically Windows, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Ability To
Think systematically to address gaps and develop programs and services in alignment with organizational and community needs;
Champion change initiatives that strengthen systems, improve performance, develop an integrated prevention model, and support long-term impact;
Lead and cultivate a team of subject matter experts;
Understand and effectively interpret and adhere to agency and program rules, policies, and procedures;
Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
Gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts and data;
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and prioritize workload;
Work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions;
Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and works well with all levels of HHSC staff to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships; and
Establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, as well as individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorities.
Initial Screening Criteria
A minimum of a master’s degree in prevention science, public health, social work, health education, business administration, health services, or other related field from an accredited college or university.
A minimum of two years of supervisory or managerial experience. Experience leading cross functional teams in a public health or behavioral health field, preferred.
A minimum of five years of project or grants management experience is required; with at least three of those years managing prevention, behavioral health, or public health programs required.
At least two years of prior government (local, state, federal, university, etc.) experience is highly preferred.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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 to fill this position. For more information please 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 on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747. 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. Download the I‑9 Form
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title:
Associate Director, Suicide Prevention Policy and Services
Job Title:
Director I
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department:
SUD Prevention Program
Posting Number:
15417
Closing Date:
04/13/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Management
Salary Range:
$6,377.50 - $10,785.83
Pay Frequency:
Monthly
Salary Group:
TEXAS-B-26
Shift:
Day
Travel:
Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City:
AUSTIN
Job Location Address:
4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
Austin
MOS Codes:
8003,8040,8041,8042,10C0,111X,112X,113X,114X,20C0,30C0,40C0,611X,612X,631X,641X,648X,90G0,91C0,91W0,97E0,SEI15
Brief Job Description Director I, functionally known as the Associate Director of Suicide Prevention Policy and Services (SPPS), will report directly to the Deputy Associate Commissioner (Director III) of the Prevention and Behavioral Health Promotion Team (PBHP DAC) in the Substance Use Programs (SUP) Unit of Behavioral Health Services (BHS). Director I: Performs advanced (senior level) managerial work, providing direction and guidance in strategic operations and program planning with a focus on suicide prevention. This position establishes goals and objectives for the suicide prevention team that align with PBHP, SUP, and BHS goals and strategies for operations, in alignment with enhancing the Texas Behavioral Health Prevention System and the continuum of care. This position will serve on the PBHP leadership team in an Associate Director capacity, assisting in the strategic development and growth of PBHP, and represent PBHP in internal and external meetings, work groups, trainings, and/or events. Work involves establishing the strategic plan, goals, and objectives specific to suicide prevention; providing leadership to the Statewide Behavioral Health Coordinating Council’s (SBHCC) Suicide Prevention Subcommittee; developing policies, procedures, and guidelines; establishing priorities, standards, and measurement tools for determining progress in meeting suicide prevention goals; coordinating and evaluating program activities or business functions; and reviewing and approving budgets within departments or divisions to ensure effective resource allocation. This position will be key in driving transformational change by aligning vision, engaging stakeholders, leading a team of skilled subject matter experts and will serve as the State Suicide Prevention Coordinator and serve as the agency’s statutorily designated Youth Suicide Prevention Officer. Additional responsibilities include supervising staff who design, implement, and oversee suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention programs, training, and technical assistance. Using data to make data-informed decisions about the need for new suicide prevention initiatives targeting specific communities in Texas, or populations at greatest risk of suicide. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Attends work on a regular and predictive schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. 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 need.
Essential Job Functions EFJ 1 - Operations (30%) The Director I provides assistance, consultation, and direction to the PBHP DAC to ensure policies, procedures, and processes related to suicide prevention are in compliance with HHSC guidance and legal mandates as they occur. Provides leadership, supports, develops, and guides the SPPS team, in accordance with the policies and practices of the department and agency. Provides consultation, direction, and coaching on staff development matters, develop performance measures, review and complete performance evaluations, and manages the oversight of SPSS projects, programs, and initiatives. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, scheduling and approving leave, and facilitating team meetings. Responsible for ensuring staff training is adequate and timely. This position will be responsible for approving the development and oversight of contracts, tracking grant expenditures, approving reports submitted to federal organizations about the progress of the grants, and guiding staff in developing program metrics, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation. Coordinates the development and implementation of HHSC activities and functions that improve and enhance collaboration and partnerships between HHSC and external partners, including other state agencies, Texas academic institutions, medical institutions, professional licensing boards, and local government agencies. Interfaces with partners to coordinate policy development and analysis that involves State HHS issues pertaining to suicide prevention. Escalates issues to executive management as appropriate for decision-making or resolution.
EFJ 2 - Strategy (30%) Works in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to establish the vision for SPSS in Texas and ensure it is in alignment with PBHP and BHS goals. This includes identifying programs and practices to recommend for funding as well as providing assistance, consultation and direction to PBHP DAC to ensure programs and services funded, policies, procedures and processes comply with HHSC guidance and legal mandates as they occur. Identifies opportunities to increase reach of the program including identifying and applying for grant funds and partnering with potential funders. Reviews changes in federal and state legislation affecting suicide prevention and coordinates with budget and fiscal departments to determine the impact to BHS. Stays current on suicide prevention best, promising, and evidence-based practices and analyzes data to forecast areas of the state that require targeted or enhanced suicide prevention interventions or initiatives. Coordinates and executes the promotion of SPPS initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. Supports and ensures the delivery of prevention programs and services throughout Texas. Implements initiatives and projects with external partners that support suicide prevention and PBHP in achieving their HHSC goals and objectives.
EFJ 3 - Collaboration (20%) Works on cross-agency and HHS projects as assigned by the PBHP DAC related to suicide prevention, substance use prevention, behavioral health promotion and corresponding workforce. Reviews proposed federal and state statutes and regulations impacting HHS agencies and provides consultation and guidance to ensure compliance. Initiates, develops and ensures the coordination of briefing documents, issue papers, correspondence, bill analyses, and memorandums for executive management review and decision-making. Responsible for the development and update of the state plans and any toolkits, guides, or published resources. This position is responsible for partnering with state agencies, HHSC contractors, the Texas Suicide Prevention Council, non-profit organizations, and others with a vested interest in suicide to adopt these documents and use the content to inform the development and implementation of their own suicide prevention policy, services, trainings, and technical assistance. Works collaboratively across PBHP, BHS, and other HHSC departments to develop an integrated prevention system and enhances programs and services.
EFJ 4 - Liaison (10%) Serves on advisory boards as requested. This position will guide the operation of and provide subject matter expertise to the SBHCC’s suicide prevention subcommittee to fulfill it’s mission to focus on statewide suicide prevention efforts using information collected by the SBHCC from available sources of suicide data reports. This position will inform the subcommittee’s development of guidelines for the use of data to inform SBHCC suicide prevention policy, services, training, and technical assistance. Attends council or committee meetings as needed. Responds to legislative correspondence and requests, ensuring coordination with appropriate staff. Represents SPPS and PBHP on external councils, committees, or workgroups. Provides updates to legislative leadership and executive management.
EFJ 5 - Resource (10%) This position, in consultation with the DAC, supports the advancement of the behavioral health services system with a specific focus on public health, prevention, and the suicide prevention continuum, through participating in the exceptional item process, formulating statutory initiatives, meeting with legislative offices to provide information that may inform bill making, and responding to legislative inquiries. Represents Behavioral Health Services and HHSC at legislative hearings, meetings, and conferences. May testify and serve as a resource witness. Completes other duties as assigned in accordance with the direction of the PBHP DAC.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Or Certifications None
Knowledge Skills Abilities Knowledge of:
Best practices for suicide prevention in behavioral health services, including evidence based programs, interventions and treatments;
Developing large, complex integrated behavorial health systems and programs using public health models and frameworks;
Guiding large-scale change initatives that integate prevention strategies, policy, evidence based practices, organizational and community needs;
Public administration and management techniques;
Principles of health and human services policy and planning;
Principles of leadership and interaction with various leadership styles;
State and federal rules, statute, and governing best practices in grant management; and
The behavioral health, substance use, and prevention continuum of care.
Skills In
Strategic planning and thinking big picture to establish a clear vision and direction for suicide prevention within the larger context of PBHP;
Developing, writing and editing executive documents, briefings, reports, slide decks, impact statements/reports, legislative reports, grant applications and reports;
Identifying problems such as performance improvement issues with implementing best practices for prevention and implementing solutions to organizational and service delivery problems;
Problem solving and conflict resolution;
Navigating complex change with a steady, strategic approach that builds trust and drives innovation, adoption and integration;
Developing and implementing communications strategies;
Managing multiple and competing priorities;
Leadership, effective communication public speaking and impactful writing; and
The use of computer software, specifically Windows, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Ability To
Think systematically to address gaps and develop programs and services in alignment with organizational and community needs;
Champion change initiatives that strengthen systems, improve performance, develop an integrated prevention model, and support long-term impact;
Lead and cultivate a team of subject matter experts;
Understand and effectively interpret and adhere to agency and program rules, policies, and procedures;
Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
Gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts and data;
Demonstrate strong organizational skills and prioritize workload;
Work independently with minimal supervision and make sound decisions;
Demonstrate strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and works well with all levels of HHSC staff to maintain effective, collaborative working relationships; and
Establish and maintain positive relationships with external partners, as well as individuals and groups with diverse needs and priorities.
Initial Screening Criteria
A minimum of a master’s degree in prevention science, public health, social work, health education, business administration, health services, or other related field from an accredited college or university.
A minimum of two years of supervisory or managerial experience. Experience leading cross functional teams in a public health or behavioral health field, preferred.
A minimum of five years of project or grants management experience is required; with at least three of those years managing prevention, behavioral health, or public health programs required.
At least two years of prior government (local, state, federal, university, etc.) experience is highly preferred.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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 to fill this position. For more information please 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 on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747. 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. Download the I‑9 Form
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr