Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

3d•$5,530 - $7,254•Onsite

About The Position

The Mental Health Specialist V performs highly advanced psychological and therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist at Terrell State Hospital. The role provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital and involves recovery planning, counseling and therapy, reporting, behavior plan development, and documentation. The position requires independent work with a high degree of accuracy and may include planning, assigning, or supervising the work of others. It operates under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The specialist provides psychological services and supports patient recovery, stability, and discharge planning. The position may also support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which may require a different shift pattern or location. The role is full-time, day shift, onsite, and based in Terrell, Texas; telework is not eligible. Travel may be required up to 5%.

Requirements

Master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Three years of experience in psychological or therapeutic work.
Must hold one of the following: Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical or Master Social Worker (LCSW or LMSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines.
Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices.
Skill in interviewing patients.
Ability to assist with conducting diagnostic interviews.
Ability to conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
Ability to develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities in skill acquisition and behavior management.
Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and specified registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility; applicants for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth must be at least 21 years old.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
Flexibility in work hours may be required; overtime and/or extended hours may be required.

Responsibilities

Perform psychological activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, including individual, group, and/or family therapy for referred patients.
Meet with patients’ families alongside recovery team members to provide information and assist with discharge planning, as needed.
Develop individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans on a rotating basis, incorporating patient goals, barriers, objectives, and interventions.
Interview referred patients and recommend treatments to the recovery team to support stability, patient goals, and recovery after discharge.
Develop and/or conduct specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and recovery skills.
Interview patients and review records to support diagnostic clarification and recovery planning, including at recovery team meetings and difficult case conferences.
Develop individual behavior plans addressing behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, and intrusiveness; work with staff to implement them, monitor their effectiveness, and modify them as needed.
Administer, score, and interpret psychological tests under a licensed Psychologist’s supervision, as needed.
Participate in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological services and hospital treatment, including chart audits, tracer activities, and service reporting.
Attend work regularly, follow assigned shift schedules—including rotating schedules when requested—and work extended shifts or overtime as required by agency policy.
Perform other assigned duties, including supporting disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially at an alternate shift pattern or location.
May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.