Job Description

Posting number: 39522

Department: Houston Health Department

Job classification: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXECUTIVE LEVEL)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Health, Management, Health Sciences, Medical

Summary

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: CURRENT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ONLY

DIVISION: HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

REPORTING LOCATION: 8000 N. STADIUM

WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 5PM

ABOUT HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT – HEALTHY COMMUNITIES DIVISION

The Healthy Communities Division advances health equity and improves quality of life by addressing the social, environmental, and community factors that influence health outcomes. Through collaborative partnerships, evidence-based programming, and community engagement, the division works to strengthen neighborhoods, expand access to essential services, and reduce health disparities across Houston.

The division oversees a diverse portfolio of community health and human services initiatives designed to address the evolving needs of Houston’s communities. The work includes programs and services that engage residents, connect individuals and families to resources and care, strengthen community resilience, address emerging public health and social needs, and promote health, safety, and well-being. Working alongside residents, healthcare providers, community organizations, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders, the division develops and implements innovative, community-centered solutions that improve access to services and enhance the quality of life for Houston’s diverse communities.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Assistant Director leads initiatives that address social determinants of health, strengthen community partnerships, expand access to services, improve emergency preparedness, and implement evidence-based prevention strategies. This position ensures programs are aligned with departmental priorities, community needs, accreditation standards, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and oversight for a diverse portfolio of community health and human services initiatives that address the evolving needs of Houston’s communities and improve health, well-being, and quality of life.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance health equity, address social and community conditions that influence health, strengthen community resilience, and improve access to health and human services.
• Provide executive oversight of community engagement strategies that build trust, strengthen relationships, promote meaningful resident participation, and increase awareness and utilization of available services and resources.
• Provide strategic oversight of Multiservice Centers that serve as accessible hubs for connecting residents with health, social, and supportive services and community resources.
• Ensure community-based service centers are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve and foster partnerships that expand access to resources, strengthen community connections, and improve resident outcomes.
• Oversee service delivery, client access, navigation, and care coordination functions to promote efficient, integrated, and customer-centered experiences for residents seeking health and human services.
• Lead strategies that support successful community re-entry and reintegration by strengthening connections to health, social, employment, education, and other supportive resources for individuals transitioning back into the community.
• Lead efforts to strengthen community resilience by supporting collaborative strategies that enhance the capacity of individuals, families, organizations, and communities to address emerging challenges and improve overall well-being.
• Direct evidence-based initiatives that address priority community health needs, reduce health disparities, promote prevention and wellness, and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Advance a “no wrong door” approach to services, ensuring residents can access appropriate assistance, information, navigation, or referrals regardless of where they initially seek support.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare organizations, community-based organizations, educational institutions, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders to advance shared community health and well-being goals.
• Utilize data, community health assessments, performance measures, and other evidence to evaluate effectiveness, identify service gaps and emerging needs, and guide strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
• Oversee division budgets, grants, contracts, and other funding sources, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources, fiscal accountability, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Develop and sustain high-performing teams through workforce planning, leadership development, coaching, succession planning, performance management, and continuous quality improvement.
• Represent the department and serve as a senior departmental liaison with governmental agencies, elected officials, community organizations, advisory groups, professional organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve in executive leadership roles during significant public health or community events and other departmental activations, which may require extended hours, emergency assignments, and non-traditional work schedules.
• Support the development and implementation of new programs, services, and initiatives as community needs, departmental priorities, funding opportunities, and other circumstances evolve.
• Oversee additional programs and functions as assigned based on departmental priorities and evolving community needs, ensuring the division remains responsive and positioned to effectively serve the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Examples of duties

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of those years in a managerial capacity.

A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following:

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Public Administration (MPA), Social Work (MSW), Health Administration (MHA), Business Administration (MBA), Emergency Management, or a related field.
• Experience providing executive leadership for community health, public health, human services, health equity, or community-based programs.
• Experience developing and implementing initiatives that address social determinants of health and improve community health outcomes.
• Experience leading community engagement, outreach, and partnership development with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing community-based service delivery, including care coordination, client navigation, case management, multiservice center operations, or client access functions.
• Experience leading public health preparedness, emergency management, or emergency response activities utilizing Incident Command System (ICS) principles.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs, contracts, budgets, and multiple funding sources.
• Experience utilizing performance measures, community health assessments, and data analytics to guide strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Experience developing strategic plans, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational performance measures.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams within a large public health, healthcare, governmental, or human services organization.
• Experience developing collaborative partnerships with healthcare organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Experience overseeing prevention programs focused on violence prevention, behavioral health, substance use prevention, re-entry services, youth development, or environmental health initiatives.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Supplemental information

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 32

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832-393-0453).

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0453). (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.