Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

12d•$6,149 - $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. The position provides consultation on behavioral interventions for patients across San Antonio State Hospital, on the Maximum Security Unit. Work includes recovery planning, counseling and therapy, reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation. The role requires independent work with a high degree of accuracy and may include planning, assigning, or supervising others’ work. It operates under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position may also support the agency’s disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, which could require an alternate shift pattern or work location. The role is full-time, regular, day shift, onsite, and may require flexible hours, overtime, extended hours, or a rotating schedule. Travel is up to 5%.

Requirements

Master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Three years of experience in psychological or therapeutic work.
Must hold one of the following credentials: 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 fingerprint-based criminal background, pre-employment drug, and specified registry checks.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old; males aged 18–25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations.
May be required to work flexible hours, overtime, extended hours, rotating schedules, and/or alternate shifts or locations as operational needs require.

Responsibilities

Provide individual, group, and/or family therapy to referred patients under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.
Meet with patients’ families, alongside other recovery team members, to provide information and assist with discharge planning.
Develop individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans, including 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 build patients’ recovery knowledge and 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 effectiveness, and revise them as needed.
Administer, score, and interpret psychological tests as needed under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.
Participate in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities, including chart audits, tracer activities, and reporting on services provided.
Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned, including support for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation.
May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.