Social Worker II

Job Overview

Social Worker II – Vernon State Hospital

This role supports forensic psychiatric patients in a statewide mental health system. The Social Worker II provides individualized social services, coordinates care, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and promotes patients’ rights and self‑advocacy.

• Interview patients, legal representatives, and families to assess support systems and psychosocial, economic, and physical needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and document social history and updates.
• Serve as liaison between the patient, legally authorized representative, and external agencies to facilitate ongoing care and treatment.
• Assist with guardianship issues, end‑of‑life planning, and capacity assessments in compliance with state and federal law.
• Coordinate admissions, transfers, transitions, and discharges, ensuring necessary documentation and transportation are in place.
• Design and conduct individual and group training to promote rights, voting, citizenship, and self‑advocacy skills.
• Participate in disaster response or continuity operations as required, which may involve alternate shift patterns or locations.
• May receive additional pay for work performed at maximum‑security locations.

• In-depth knowledge of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health issues, and related social work standards.
• Strong assessment, planning, intervention, and case‑management skills.
• Effective interview, mediation, counseling, and advocacy abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in individual and group settings.
• Ability to perform duties in accordance with Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Code of Conduct and NASW Code of Ethics.

Maintain valid licensure from the Texas Board of Social Work Examiners.

Baccalaureate in Social Work, Master Social Worker, or Clinical Social Worker degree (or equivalent internship) required.

• One year of direct experience working with individuals experiencing mental health issues, or completion of the State Hospital internship program.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under moderate supervision.

• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Comply with HHSC immunization policy; required vaccinations for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza.
• Willingness to work overtime, extended hours, and alternate shifts as necessary.
• Availability for on‑call duties on a rotating schedule if required.

HHSC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans. Reasonable accommodations will be provided during the hiring process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All applicants must be 18 years of age (or 21 for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth). The position is not eligible for telework.