Social Worker III

Job Title

Social Worker III

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Vernon, TX – 4730 College Dr, Vernon State Hospital

Join HHSC as a Social Worker III at Vernon State Hospital. You will provide highly complex social services, coordinate care, manage discharges, and conduct individual and group trainings. Your work will support patients’ rights and transitional needs in a forensic mental health setting.

• Diagnose and document complex social service needs, serving as liaison among patient, legal representative, and interdisciplinary team.
• Assist in assessment of rights and capacity, and develop treatment and discharge plans.
• Design and deliver individual and group trainings on rights, decision‑making, and self‑advocacy.
• Coordinate furloughs, transfers, transitions, and discharges, ensuring required notifications and documentation.
• Oversee and supervise Social Worker I and II staff, including interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluation.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, disaster response, and continuity of operations as needed.
• Maintain compliance with state hospital policies, Texas Board of Social Work Examiners Code of Conduct, and other legal requirements.

• LMSW or LCSW licensure in Texas.
• One year of direct experience with individuals with mental, social, or substance use disorders, or completion of a state hospital internship program.
• Proficiency in case management, assessment, planning, counseling, and advocacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and to design training materials.
• Strong organizational skills, including financial accountability and documentation.

• Background checks, drug screening, and fingerprint screening required.
• Vaccination per HHSC immunization policy.
• Compliance with E‑Verify and I‑9 requirements.
• Ability to work overtime and extended hours; shift may include up to 10% travel and alternate shift patterns.

Full‑time, monthly salary $5,746.66–$7,253.83. 100% paid employee health insurance, defined benefit pension plan, generous time off, and career advancement opportunities.

Apply through the HHSC job portal. Referrals increase chances of interviewing.