Lead Psychiatrist

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. HHSC supports 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.

Position Details

• Functional
  
  Title:
  
  Lead Psychiatrist
• Job Title: Psychiatrist IV
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Psych Security Direct Care
• Posting Number: 10550
• Closing Date: 01/21/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-35
• Salary Range: $23,068.08-$25,432.58
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
• Facility
  
  Location:
  
  Kerrville State Hospital
• Job Location City: KERRVILLE
• Job Location Address: 721 THOMPSON DR
• Other Locations: Kerrville
• MOS Codes: 210X,44PX,60W,SEI
  12

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others who are dependable, trustworthy, hardworking, and who believe in the value of teamwork? HHSC is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HHSC is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Responsibilities

• The Lead Psychiatrist performs highly advanced psychiatric work under direct supervision of the SH Medical Director. Directs, oversees, and/or conducts the examination and diagnoses of patients, and administers psychiatric treatment and medication as needed. Administers specialized psychiatric treatments and/or procedures. Directs staff and provides leadership to ensure optimal quality psychiatric treatment services for the individuals entrusted to the care of the SH.
  
  Monitors trends and activities, prepares reports, and makes recommendations for operational and services improvement as appropriate. Leads the patient’s recovery team and provides guidance on the treatment of the patients under their care. Reviews patient records and files in conjunction with the recovery team to determine the progress, effectiveness, and appropriateness of treatment services offered. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others, including other Psychiatrists.
• Participates in committees of the State Hospital Governing Body and performance improvement activities. Participate in or directs, as requested, any other clinically related committee that is formed for the SHs to recommend guidelines and standards of care in response to changes in research literature, regulatory environment, or public health as requested by the facility Medical Director or central office Chief Medical Officer.
• Plans, assigns, and guides the work of others in the process of the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
• This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime. May serve in an on-call or on-duty status on a rotating schedule to meet operational needs of the facility.
• Utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to complete psychiatric assessments and administers psychiatric treatments and medications within SH policies and procedures as…