Social Services Mental Health Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Waco, TX

2d•$6,149 - $7,254•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 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 Mental Health Specialist V (Social Services Mental Health Specialist V) performs advanced therapeutic counseling work and provides consultation regarding treatment interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, conducting support groups, and 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 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.
Skill 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 possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.
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 is required.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and State Hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
I-9 documentation must be brought on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or more years' experience in clinical assessment and treatment, including work with populations evidencing severe psychopathology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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, 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 discharged 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 electronic 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.
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.