Mental Health Specialist V - Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Summary

Mental Health Specialist V – Postdoctoral Fellow at Texas Health and Human Services. This role supports specialized care for Texans in need, providing advanced psychological and therapeutic services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The position emphasizes recovery planning, counseling, behavior management, and quality assurance activities within a forensic mental health setting.

Location: Kerrville, TX – Kerrville State Hospital, 721 Thompson Dr.

Salary Range: $6,149.00 – $7,253.83 (Monthly, Texas-B-21)

Shift: Day (regular) with potential overtime and shift changes.

• Perform advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, including individual, group, and family therapy.
• Consult on behavioral interventions for patients, develop recovery plans, and provide documentation.
• Conduct psychological evaluations, including trial competency (46B) and violence risk (46C) assessments.
• Develop individualized Person‑Centered Recovery Plans; create and monitor behavior plans for problematic behaviors.
• Conduct psycho educational groups and diagnostic clarification sessions.
• Participate in quality assurance activities such as chart audits and tracer activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including disaster response and Continuity of Operations (COOP) support.

• Attend work regularly, possibly with rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime.
• Provide psychotherapy and support family and recovery team members.
• Conduct psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under supervision.
• Meet with patients, interview families, develop recommendations, and oversee implementation of behavior plans.
• Assist with diagnostic clarification, recovery planning, and discharge preparation.
• Participate in quality assurance and enhancement activities across the hospital.

• Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines.
• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices.
• Skills in interviewing patients.
• Skills in forensic assessment, including violence risk assessments and competency to stand trial.
• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
• Ability to develop and implement rehabilitation and behavior management plans.
• Ability to supervise and assign work to others.

• Licensed as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or eligible to pursue licensure as a Licensed Psychologist by the Texas State Board.
• Board‑Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification preferred.

• Master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Three years of experience in psychological or therapeutic work.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE). Males aged 18‑25 must register with the Selective Service. Minimum age requirement is 18;
Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21.

Flexibility with work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours are possible.

Compliance with the HHSC immunization policy is required; unvaccinated employees may need to wear a mask for influenza protection.

Telework is not eligible for this position. All HHS positions follow state and agency telework policies.

Nearest major market:
San Antonio.