Psychologist III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

10d•$8,800 - $11,865•Onsite

About The Position

The Psychologist III performs highly advanced, specialized psychological work, completing complex tasks and making varied decisions within broad parameters with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position provides professional supervision and consultation for staff and special programs and may supervise psychology interns or practicum students. The Psychologist III participates in and approves hiring decisions for staff psychologists and is responsible for their ongoing performance evaluation, including participation in formal evaluations. The role reviews and coordinates review and approval of behavior support plans, reviews psychotropic medication use for behavior problems, and evaluates plan implementation through direct observation, staff interviews, and documentation review. Working with Unit Directors and staff psychologists, the Psychologist III facilitates effective program implementation and develops staff psychologists’ professional skills in applied behavior analysis, learning principles, positive behavior support, and contemporary psychological issues. The position maintains knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies and develops systems and procedures to meet relevant standards. Some travel is required, and the work schedule may vary as requested or needed. The position is located on the Maximum Security Unit at San Antonio State Hospital. The role may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern or work location. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Must hold a doctoral degree in Psychology.
Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
At least three years of experience administering standardized evaluations.
Knowledge and experience administering psychological services to people with psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.
Knowledge of the causes and characteristics of psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
Knowledge and skills in administering standardized evaluations.
Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of psychotropic medications and systems for tracking treatment effectiveness.
Ability to train staff in programming and related psychological and behavioral areas.
Ability to professionally supervise psychological, behavioral, and programming staff.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines and parameters.
Advanced writing skills for technical reports, grants, research proposals, and other relevant documents.
Leadership skills to motivate staff and implement changes effectively.
Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
Pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
Attend work regularly; flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours when needed.
Some travel is required.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of experience administering psychological services in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
Experience in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.
At least two years of experience supervising psychological, behavioral, and programming staff.

Responsibilities

Provide professional supervision and consultation to psychology staff and others to support staff performance and resident care.
Evaluate psychological and behavioral services and develop improvement plans to address needs or deficiencies and ensure compliance with laws, standards, policies, and best practices.
Provide ongoing training and technical assistance to assigned professional staff and others, including direct-contact staff.
Coordinate and integrate psychological and behavioral services with other facility areas to clarify expectations, facilitate best practices, ensure consistent procedures, and support system values.
Ensure the quality and effectiveness of psychological activities and programs and oversee evaluations when indicated.
Participate in the joint selection and orientation of assigned staff.
Review and coordinate the review and approval of behavior support plans.
Review psychotropic medication use in treating behavior problems.
Evaluate implementation of behavior support plans through observation, staff interviews, and documentation review.
Work with Unit Directors and staff psychologists to facilitate effective program implementation.
Provide professional development for staff psychologists in applied behavior analysis, learning principles, positive behavior support, and contemporary psychological issues.
Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy, and develop systems and procedures to meet applicable standards and requirements.
Maintain current knowledge in relevant professional areas.
Perform special assignments at the request of the Clinical Director.
Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
Attend work regularly and perform other duties as assigned.