Mental Health Specialist V

Overview

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) as a Mental Health Specialist V in Geriatric Psychology. This position is located at Austin State Hospital and is not eligible for telework. Salary range: $6,149.00-$7,253.83 per month. Regular full-time, day shift.

HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, opportunities for career advancement, and more.

Posting  | Posting Audience:
Internal and External | Department:
Geriatric Psych Psychology | Facility

Location:

Austin State Hospital | Address: 4110 Guadalupe

• Performs highly advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.
• Provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital.
• Engages in recovery planning, counseling/therapy, reporting, and development of behavior plans with documentation.
• Works independently with high accuracy; may plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Contributes to disaster response/COOP activities and may participate in alternate shift patterns or locations as required.
• Develops individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans, incorporating patient goals, barriers, objectives, and interventions.
• Interviews referred patients, makes recommendations to the recovery team, and assists with discharge planning.
• Develops and conducts psycho educational groups to support patient recovery.
• Reviews records for diagnostic clarification and participates in regular recovery team meetings and case conferences.
• Creates and monitors individual behavior plans addressing aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, and related behaviors; conducts psychological testing as needed under supervision.
• Participates in quality assurance/quality improvement activities for psychological services and treatment across the hospital.

• Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines; knowledge of treatment techniques and practices.
• Skill in interviewing patients and conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy and to develop rehabilitation plans.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Registrations/Licensure:
  One of the following is required:
  Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical or Master Social Worker (LCSW or LMSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
• Initial education:
  Master’s or Doctorate in psychology, counseling, or related field; minimum years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Selective Service registration may apply for males ages 18-25.
• Minimum age: 18 (or 21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants).
• Flexibility in work hours; overtime/extended hours may be required.
• Immunization policy compliance is required; vaccines may be required or protective measures taken if not immunized.
• ADA accommodations available during hiring; contact HHSC Employee Service Center for assistance.
• Pre-employment checks and work eligibility: E-Verify; bring I-9 documentation on first day.

Typical benefits include health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and career development opportunities as part of HHSC employment.