Description
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.
Functional Title: Mental Health Specialist
Job Title: Mental Health Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Max Security Unit-Psychology
Posting Number: 9225
Closing Date: 10/12/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
Salary Range: $6,779.23 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Rusk State Hospital
Job Location City: RUSK
Job Location Address: 805 N DICKINSON DR
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI12
Brief Job Description:
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.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients, Duties include: Perform psychological therapy activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred; meet with families of patients with other recovery team members to provide information and help with discharge planning; develop individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans as assigned on a rotating basis incorporating the patient's goals, noting barriers to achieving these goals, and including appropriate objectives and interventions; interview referred patients and recommends to the patient's recovery team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain recovery after discharge from the hospital; develop and/or conduct specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery; interview patient and reviews records to help with diagnostic clarification recovery planning; develop individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, and intrusiveness; work with staff to successfully implement these plans; monitor effectiveness and modify plans as needed; conduct psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist; participate in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision and to treatment across the hospital, this may include completing chart audits, participating in tracer activities, and reporting on services he/she has provided; participate and serve in a supporting role to meet agency obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation; provide consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital; and perform recovery planning, counseling/therapy, reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Position Requires: Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Psychology, Social Work or a related field and two (2) years of experience in the job offered or related occupation. Position also requires two (2) years of experience involving each of the following: Psychology and mental illness, including diagnosis, treatment techniques and practices; Application of psychological principles in assessing and treating persons with mental illness; Completing psychological/ therapeutic work and psychometric testing, scoring, testing protocols, and interpreting testing protocol data; Counseling techniques and clinical interviews; Coordinating individual and group counseling services; Identifying behavioral issues; Behavioral interventions such as producing individualized behavior plans; Maintaining professional client records; and Collaboration with a team of mental health professionals in creating an environment that is conducive to mental wellness and effectuating evidenced base interventions that promote healing and ultimately, discharge.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); Texas State Psychologist Licensure or ability to obtain one.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
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