This position is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Assistant Director – Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
Assistant Division Director II - E10B
Executive Leadership / Administrative Management
Annual Salary: $115,000.00 + Full State Employee Benefits
Travel is EXTENSIVE - Must possess a valid driver's license and must maintain required car insurance.
Days worked will be Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours worked may include extended hours and/or weekends.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and six (6) years of professional business or public administration experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
NOTE: No substitution is permitted for the required administrative or supervisory level experience.
Basic Purpose:
Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the executive leadership, direction, and management of major program areas within Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS). This position provides comprehensive oversight of statewide operations, ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, supports strategic program alignment, and drives performance improvement through data-driven decision-making. The Assistant Director also supervises a team of Deputy Directors who oversee major programmatic units within the division, ensuring cohesive operational leadership and integration of services across DDS. This role ensures the effective and consistent delivery of high-quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities across Oklahoma.
Typical Functions:
- Provides leadership and oversight for assigned DDS programs, field operations, and administrative units.
- Ensures consistent implementation of policies, service standards, and operational expectations across the system.
- Supports the Division Director in establishing long-term goals, operational priorities, and strategic direction.
- Participate in the development, interpretation, and implementation of policies, rules, and procedures governing DDS programs.
- Ensuring alignment with federal and state regulations, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver requirements.
- Reviews audit findings and compliance reports; assists in the development of corrective actions and system improvement initiatives.
- Develops, monitors, and evaluates performance measures, dashboards, and reports to assess program outcomes and operational effectiveness.
- Analyzes data to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Implement strategies to strengthen accountability, enhance service quality, and improve operational consistency.
- Assists in the development and administration of program and operational budgets.
- Monitors expenditures, resource utilization, and staffing patterns to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Recommends operational enhancements based on data evaluation and program needs.
- Supervises professional staff and provides leadership that promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous professional growth.
- Identifies workforce development needs and supports training, coaching, and performance management efforts.
- Ensures equitable and consistent application of personnel policies and supports a cohesive organizational culture.
- Serves as a liaison to agency leadership, field management, community partners, advocacy groups, providers, and other stakeholders.
- Represents DDS in workgroups, committees, and interagency initiatives.
- Communicates program goals, operational updates, and outcome data to internal and external audiences.
- Provides analysis of proposed legislation and policy changes affecting DDS operations.
- Prepares documentation, reports, and briefing materials for leadership, legislative bodies, and oversight entities.
- Supports the division in responding to inquiries, presenting program information, and explaining operational impacts.
- Provides leadership during regulatory transitions, crises, or system-wide operational changes.
- Ensures continuity of services, effective communication, and implementation of rapid response measures.
- Leads or supports special projects and initiatives to strengthen system resilience and adaptability.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of HCBS waiver programs, service delivery systems, case management functions, provider operations, and regulatory requirements applicable to DDS.
- Skill in interpreting and analyzing complex data, audit findings, and performance metrics, as well as developing and evaluating policies, operational procedures, and quality standards.
- Skill in providing leadership to multidisciplinary teams and managing large-scale program operations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, leadership, providers, legislators, and the public.
- Ability to coordinate cross-functional projects, implement system improvements, and support organizational change.
Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an office setting with frequent interaction with staff, leadership, providers, and external partners. Occasional field visits and participation in statewide meetings may be required.
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If you have questions, please contact [email protected]
OKDHS is a Fair Chance Employer.
This is a position in Executive Management.
Announcement Number 25-JD210
83011418/JR50364