Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Vernon, TX

15d•$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 regarding behavioral interventions for patients across Vernon State Hospital and involves 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, and/or supervising the work of others. The position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The specialist provides psychological services to referred patients and contributes to individualized recovery planning, diagnostic clarification, psychoeducation, behavior management, and quality assurance. The position may also support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, potentially requiring a different shift pattern or work location. The role is full-time, regular, exempt, based at Vernon State Hospital in Vernon, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be up to 10%.

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 applicable registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization-related operating procedures.
Must bring I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.

Responsibilities

Attend work regularly and follow assigned shift schedules, which may include rotating schedules, extended shifts, or overtime.
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 when appropriate.
Develop individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans on a rotating basis, incorporating patient goals, barriers, objectives, and interventions.
Interview referred patients and recommend treatments to recovery teams to support stability, patient goals, and recovery after discharge.
Develop and/or conduct specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients build recovery knowledge and skills.
Interview patients and review records to support diagnostic clarification and recovery planning, including during 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 plans, monitor their effectiveness, and modify them as needed.
Administer, score, and interpret psychological tests under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist as needed.
Participate in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological services and hospital treatment, including chart audits, tracer activities, and reporting on services provided.
Plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others as needed.
Support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation when required; this may involve an alternate shift pattern and/or location.
Perform other duties as assigned.