What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Regional Director position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Jan 13, 2026
Location:
HARLINGEN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Deputy Regional Director
Job Title: Director IV
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 11
Posting Number: 12254
Closing Date: 07/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Management
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $13,167.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 25%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR
Other Locations: Harlingen; Cameron; Mcallen
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.
Under the direction of the Regional Medical Director (RMD), works with the RMD to provide the overall strategic and programmatic direction of
the region. Provides advanced (senior-level) leadership work 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 the services of 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 identified objectives and maintain essential public health services. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to
public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.
Must be able to travel independently throughout the state of Texas. This position is office-based in the Harlingen office, Monday- Friday 8:00
am - 5 pm.
Essential Job Function
(30%) Programatic Operations:
Provides direction and guidance to senior regional program managers, including but not limited to, the
following areas: Environmental and Consumer Inspections, Population-based programs, Regional
Administration, and Specialized Health and Social Services,
effectiveness in addressing identified community needs.
Supervises, mentors and coaches senior program managers within assigned programs as well as the
Regional Administration team.
representatives (as needed) for actions and responses including, but not limited to, hiring process,
promotion/re-classification, organizational change, time and leave, merit rewards, administrative leave,
performance reviews, performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, reasonable accommodation
requests, administrative complaints and discrimination complaints.
Oversight of regional program budgets including forecasting, monitors expenditures, ensure funds are
expended within approved budget and communicates with DSHS leadership about budget challenges.
Promote collaboration with community partners to ensure appointment of local health authorities and the
establishment of community coalitions that increase public health essential services in communities without
a local health department.
Oversees and manages coordination with HHSC Regional Administrative Services (RAS) to ensure all
regional offices provide a safe working environment regional team members to complete essential job
functions including coordination of lease renewal or acquisition of new facilities.
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.
System 100,200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 courses.
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or other related field. (required)
Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or other related field. (preferred)
Application documents at least 5 years’ experience working in a public health setting with increasing responsibilities and a leadership role. (required)
Application Documents Experience In Budget Management. (required)
Application documents experience in personnel management, with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience (required).
Application documents experience in managing multiple programs in a public health or healthcare setting. (preferred)
Application Documents Experience With 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)
Knowledge of: Structure and functions of Texas local, regional and state public health structure. 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 principals and techniques of administration and supervision. Budgeting and contracting
procedures. Problem resolution methods and ability to facilitate resolution plans.
Skill in: Leading, mentoring, coaching and supervising direct reports. Devising/Developing solutions to administrative and personnel
problems. Using logic and reasoning to identify the 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. Supervision in a complex system. Fostering an environment of trust and active learning. Continuous improvement.
Ability to: Direct and guide including planning, organizing, coordinating and facilitating multiple priorities, projects and programs. Interpret
and apply statues and regulations to operations. Think strategically about health issues facing the community and find creative solutions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff including agency executives, regional staff and other 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.
Effectively coordinate activities among public, private and professional groups. Assure the continued implementation of the quality initiatives
within the agency, promoting and participating in team management activities. Interact effectively with groups and individuals. Utilize and
model the quality principles, concepts and processes in the management of diverse program managers and in interaction with community
partners. Independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
NOTE: Position must reside within Public Health Region 11 and work in-person Monday-Friday at the Public Health Region 11 Headquarters
office in Harlingen.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
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
Location:
HARLINGEN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
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). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Deputy Regional Director
Job Title: Director IV
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Region 11
Posting Number: 12254
Closing Date: 07/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Management
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-29
Salary Range: $8,488.33 - $13,167.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 25%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 601 W SESAME DR
Other Locations: Harlingen; Cameron; Mcallen
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.
Under the direction of the Regional Medical Director (RMD), works with the RMD to provide the overall strategic and programmatic direction of
the region. Provides advanced (senior-level) leadership work 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 the services of 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 identified objectives and maintain essential public health services. Member of the Incident Command Structure in response to
public health emergencies. Must comply with HHS, DSHS, and Texas Department of Public Safety applicable policies/procedures/standards.
Must be able to travel independently throughout the state of Texas. This position is office-based in the Harlingen office, Monday- Friday 8:00
am - 5 pm.
Essential Job Function
(30%) Programatic Operations:
Provides direction and guidance to senior regional program managers, including but not limited to, the
following areas: 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
- Responsible for ensuring senior program managers develop work plans and utilize strategic planning
effectiveness in addressing identified community needs.
- Ensures programmatic performance measures are accomplished through timely and accurate submittal
- Identifies and implements changes to improve program operations.
- Leads the development and implementation of special public health initiatives.
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
Supervises, mentors and coaches senior program managers within assigned programs as well as the
Regional Administration team.
- Ensures compliance with Health and Human Services Human Resource policies by providing direction
representatives (as needed) for actions and responses including, but not limited to, hiring process,
promotion/re-classification, organizational change, time and leave, merit rewards, administrative leave,
performance reviews, performance improvement plans, disciplinary action, reasonable accommodation
requests, administrative complaints and discrimination complaints.
- Assures regional new employee orientation, staff development opportunities and continued required
- Maintains compliance with DSHS Policy, Fleet Operations and Management & Procedures and
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
Oversight of regional program budgets including forecasting, monitors expenditures, ensure funds are
expended within approved budget and communicates with DSHS leadership about budget challenges.
- Reviews and approves regional purchases, claims forms, and expenditures.
- Responds to legislative inquires and request for information including participating in developing
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
Promote collaboration with community partners to ensure appointment of local health authorities and the
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,
- 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
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
Oversees and manages coordination with HHSC Regional Administrative Services (RAS) to ensure all
regional offices provide a safe working environment regional team members to complete essential job
functions including coordination of lease renewal or acquisition of new facilities.
- Ensure state-provided resources are distributed, tracked, maintained and inventoried for regional team
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
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, an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or
- Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster
System 100,200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 courses.
- Must be able to independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job function.
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or other related field. (required)
Masters or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in public health, health sciences, public administration, healthcare administration, social services, nursing or other related field. (preferred)
Application documents at least 5 years’ experience working in a public health setting with increasing responsibilities and a leadership role. (required)
Application Documents Experience In Budget Management. (required)
Application documents experience in personnel management, with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience (required).
Application documents experience in managing multiple programs in a public health or healthcare setting. (preferred)
Application Documents Experience With 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 certificaiton, preferred
Knowledge of: Structure and functions of Texas local, regional and state public health structure. 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 principals and techniques of administration and supervision. Budgeting and contracting
procedures. Problem resolution methods and ability to facilitate resolution plans.
Skill in: Leading, mentoring, coaching and supervising direct reports. Devising/Developing solutions to administrative and personnel
problems. Using logic and reasoning to identify the 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. Supervision in a complex system. Fostering an environment of trust and active learning. Continuous improvement.
Ability to: Direct and guide including planning, organizing, coordinating and facilitating multiple priorities, projects and programs. Interpret
and apply statues and regulations to operations. Think strategically about health issues facing the community and find creative solutions.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff including agency executives, regional staff and other 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.
Effectively coordinate activities among public, private and professional groups. Assure the continued implementation of the quality initiatives
within the agency, promoting and participating in team management activities. Interact effectively with groups and individuals. Utilize and
model the quality principles, concepts and processes in the management of diverse program managers and in interaction with community
partners. Independently travel throughout the State of Texas to complete essential job functions.
NOTE: Position must reside within Public Health Region 11 and work in-person Monday-Friday at the Public Health Region 11 Headquarters
office in Harlingen.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
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
Salary : $8,488 - $13,167