Mental Health Specialist III

Overview

Date:
Feb 5, 2026

Location:

VERNON, TX

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. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support 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.

Functional

Title:

Mental Health Specialist III

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Vernon South Campus

Posting Number: 13576

Closing Date: 02/19/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range: $5,370.75 - $6,335.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations: MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI
12

• Perform senior-level, highly complex psychological/therapeutic work, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred from assigned unit and/or other units.
• Develop individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness) and monitor effectiveness, modifying as needed.
• Evaluate and coordinate projects to examine evidence-based practices aimed at reducing workplace violence and improving overall patient care.
• Coordinate continuing educational opportunities for hospital staff and identify opportunities to facilitate ongoing education in emerging practices.
• Conduct specialized psycho educational groups to help patients gain knowledge and skills for recovery and competency.
• Provide guidance and oversight to students or staff to align with the hospital’s mission and care standards.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities related to psychological services, including chart audits and tracer activities.
• Actively participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activities as needed, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the role, including responsibilities at maximum security locations where eligible.

• Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines and treatment techniques.
• Skill in interviewing 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.
• Ability to implement individual and group behavior therapy programs and appropriate milieu structures.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks (including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct). Males 18-25 must be registered with Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old;
  Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and extended hours may be needed.
• Immunization compliance with HHSC policy is required; vaccines may be required or protective measures may be needed.
• EEO and ADA accommodations available; contact the HHSC Employee Service Center for assistance during the hiring process.
• Steps may include background checks and other pre-employment checks; HHSC uses E-Verify and requires I-9 documentation on first day.

Military personnel are encouraged to apply if qualified. See the Texas State Auditor’s Office resources for details.

This position may be eligible for telework. Telework depends on state and agency policies and supervisor discretion.

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