Psychologist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

6d•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 facility, 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 Psychologist II (Clinical Psychologist) performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Director of Psychology. The Clinical Psychologist is responsible for coordinating psychological activities and programs, conducting psychological evaluations, diagnosing, and counseling clients, and conducting psychological research. The Psychologist provides clinical supervision, consultation, and technical assistance to program staff. Provides guidance to graduate psychology trainees as requested. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes 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 and skills in interviewing techniques with individuals and families, and knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic criteria
Knowledge of psychotherapy and CBT, DBT, behavior therapy, and other empirically supported psychotherapeutic modalities.
Knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of a variety of psychological tests, including personality and intellectual instruments
Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation relating to psychological services
Skills in the use of psychological instruments to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering (i.e. MMPI, HCR-20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, and SIRS)
Ability to provide direct services in accordance with accepted professional standards.
Ability to function as a member of the psychology management team.
Ability to provide individual and family education regarding serious mental illness.
Ability to complete treatment documentation in electronic medical record using computer.
Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment/discharge implications to team members, courts, and patients where appropriate.
Ability to educate staff in correct implementation of individual and group therapy programs as well as Individualized Intervention programs as needed.
Ability to operate a computer and applicable software.
Ability to train and supervise the work of others.
Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
A doctoral degree based on a program of studies whose content is primarily psychological in nature (transcript indicates a major in psychology) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of such a degree may be found in the regulations of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in psychology
Experience in psychological work; at least one (1) year of supervised experience by a licensed psychologist in the field of psychological services; the year of supervised experience may be interpreted as an academic year of full-time supervised internship in an approved clinical program.
One year of experience conducting individual and group psychotherapy with forensic populations in an inpatient psychiatric setting.

Responsibilities

Provides individual or group counseling for youth, adults, and families by offering therapeutic sessions to individuals or groups to address mental health issues, improve coping strategies, and support overall well-being. 20%
Administers and interprets psychological tests and conducting psychological assessments and diagnoses by utilizing standardized psychological tests to evaluate clients' mental health, interpreting the results accurately, and diagnosing any psychological conditions. 15%
Supervises the work of others by overseeing the activities of other psychologists or mental health professionals, providing guidance, support, and ensuring that their work meets the required standards as needed or required. 10%
In conjunction with the treatment team, implements specialized treatment programs as appropriate. Ensures these programs are effectively meeting the patients' unique requirements. Continually monitors the effectiveness of the various interventions. 10%
In conjunction with the treatment team, develops and coordinates training programs by designing educational and training sessions for staff, clients, or other stakeholders to enhance their understanding and skills related to psychological practices and mental health. 10%
In conjunction with the treatment team, designs and monitors behavior modification and skill acquisition plans. This involves assessing patients' behaviors, creating plans to modify undesirable behaviors, and helping patients acquire new skills to improve their mental health and functioning. 10%
Coordinates and evaluates mental health and psychological delivery services by creating and managing various mental health initiatives and ensuring they meet the needs of patients. This includes assessing the effectiveness of these treatments and making necessary adjustments. 10%
Provides training, education, and expert consultation to multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders on psychological services. This is achieved through comprehensive continuing education programs, tailored outreach initiatives, and collaborative efforts designed to enhance awareness, improve inter-agency coordination, and promote best practices. 10%
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes 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. 5%