Social Services Mental Health Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? 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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, 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 Mental Health Specialist V (Social Services Mental Health Specialist V) performs advanced therapeutic counseling work under the supervision of a licensed, social worker, or therapist. The Social Services Mental Health Specialist V provides consultation regarding treatment interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, conducting support groups, communicating with families, Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs), courts, and Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) or Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs). The Social Services Mental Health Specialist V must document all these efforts in the electronic medical record. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of counseling and therapy
• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices
• Skills in interviewing
• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family therapy.
• Ability to develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW, LMSW), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field required.
• Two (2) or more years with assessment and treatment including work with populations evidencing severe psychopathology.

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.
• Performs counseling and therapeutic activities under the supervision of a licensed, therapist or social worker, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred. In addition, may also meet with families of patients with other treatment team members to provide information and help with discharge planning. All efforts must be documented in the electronic medical record.
• Develops individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans as assigned on a rotating basis incorporating the patient's goals, noting barriers to achieving these goals, and including appropriate objectives and interventions. All efforts must be documented in the electronic medical record.
• Interviews referred patients and recommends to the patient's treatment team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain their status after being discharge from the hospital.
• Conducts individual and group sessions that help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery or efforts to regain competency. All efforts must be documented in the medical record.
• Interviews patients and reviews records to help with difficult case conferences.
• Oversees the development of community support plans to address problems that may occur at discharge. Works with patients to successfully implement these plans. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to service provision and to treatment across the hospital. This may include completing chart audits, participating in tracer activities, and reporting on services provided.
• 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level