Director of Psychology

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Rusk, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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 Psychologist IV (Director of Psychology) performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. The Director of Psychology is responsible for providing consultation, training, and guidance to hospital administration, developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures to ensure evaluations, treatment interventions, and clinical documentation are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and standards. The Director of Psychology also ensures coordination and integration of psychological and behavioral health services with other facility programs to support continuity of care, consistent procedures, and system-wide values, and provides recovery-focused care that emphasizes trauma-informed principles, patient engagement, and the reduction of restrictive interventions when clinically appropriate. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned, including actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience in administering all aspects of the delivery of psychological service to persons with psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.
Knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.
Knowledge regarding applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
Knowledge and skills in the administration of standardized evaluations.
Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge regarding psychotropic medications and systems to track treatment effectiveness.
Ability to train staff in programming and related psychological/behavioral areas.
Ability to professionally supervise psychological/behavioral and programming staff.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines/parameters.
Advanced writing skills in developing technical reports, grants, research proposals, and other relevant documents.
Leadership skills in motivating staff and effectively implementing changes.
Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
Must have and maintain a valid, current license as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience in administering psychological service in the inpatient psychiatric setting.
At least three years of experience in the administration of standardized evaluations.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience supervising psychological/behavioral and programming staff.
Applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Provides consultation, training, and guidance to hospital administration, recovery teams, and interdisciplinary staff on the appropriate application of psychological evaluations, recovery-focused treatment planning, and safe discharge practices.
Supports staff in applying evidence-based approaches to assessment, treatment, and documentation while promoting effective communication and coordination across clinical programs.
Review documentation of treatment to determine compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, quality service, and regulations.
Designs, conducts, and coordinates psychological and behavioral health programs and activities in accordance with agency policies, professional standards, and best practices.
Conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized, evidence-based instruments to assess mental health needs, suicide risk, and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use conditions, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Oversees psychological programs and services in collaboration with medical, nursing, social work, and administrative disciplines to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across the facility.
Develops, implements, and revises policies and procedures to ensure evaluations, treatment interventions, and clinical documentation are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and standards.
Provides professional supervision, consultation, and clinical leadership to psychology staff and other assigned personnel to ensure effective service delivery and staff development.
Evaluates staff performance, identifies training needs, and provides coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to promote professional growth and maintain high standards of care.
Evaluates and reviews psychological and behavioral health services and develops improvement plans to address identified needs or deficiencies.
Monitors program effectiveness, documentation, analyzes trends and outcomes, and recommends corrective actions or enhancements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with best practices.
Ensures coordination and integration of psychological and behavioral health services with other facility programs to support continuity of care, consistent procedures, and system-wide values.
Actively participates in performance improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities, and collaborative planning efforts to strengthen service delivery and patient outcomes.
Provides recovery-focused care that emphasizes trauma-informed principles, patient engagement, and the reduction of restrictive interventions when clinically appropriate.
Applies recovery and trauma-informed care principles in all interactions with patients, staff, and treatment teams, and supports peer support concepts and initiatives throughout the facility.
Participates in the selection, orientation, and onboarding of assigned staff to ensure appropriate screening, effective integration into the organization, and readiness to deliver high-quality services.
Performs special projects or assignments as requested by leadership and maintains current knowledge of professional standards, emerging practices, and developments relevant to psychological and behavioral health services.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.