Mental Health Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

5d•$6,149 - $7,254•Onsite

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. 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. 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 Health Specialist V (Mental Health Specialist V) performs highly advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, a licensed social worker, or therapist. The Mental Health Specialist V provides consultation regarding behavioral 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), reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation. The Mental Health Specialist V must document all these efforts in the electronic medical record. Requires the ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. 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

Must have one of the following: Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical or Master Social Worker (LCSW or LMSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, social work or a related field.
Three years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, 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.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
I-9 documentation must be provided on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) or more years with assessment and treatment including work with populations evidencing severe psychopathology preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs psychological activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, licensed social worker or therapist including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred.
Meets with families of patients with other recovery team members to provide information and help with discharge planning.
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.
Interviews referred patients and makes recommendations to the patient's recovery team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain recovery after discharge from the hospital.
Develops and/or conducts specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery.
Interviews patients and reviews records to help with diagnostic clarification recovery planning.
Conducts individual and group sessions that help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery or efforts to regain competency.
Develops individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, etc.
Works with staff to successfully implement behavior plans.
Monitors effectiveness and modifies behavior plans as needed.
Conducts psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.
Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to service provision and treatment across the hospital.
Completes chart audits, participates in tracer activities, and reporting on services he/she has provided.
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.
May require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location for disaster response or COOP activation.