Mental Health Specialist V

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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity. HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below. The Health Specialist V (Mental Health Specialist V) performs highly advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist. The Mental Health Specialist V provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation. Requires the ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations. Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Performs psychological activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred. In addition, may also meet with families of patients with other recovery team members to provide information and help with discharge planning. Develops 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. Interviews 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. Develops and/or conducts specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery. Interviews patients and reviews records to help with diagnostic clarification recovery planning. This may occur in regular recovery team meetings and in difficult case conferences. Develops individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, etc. Works with staff to successfully implement these plans. Monitors effectiveness and modifies plans as needed. As needed, conducts psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist. Participates 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. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to 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. Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines. Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices. Skills in interviewing. 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. Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must be licensed as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a person eligible to pursue licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist as a Licensed Psychologist OR a related specialty certification preferred such as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Initial Selection Criteria: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field. Experience in psychological/therapeutic work. Additional Information: Requisition Number 596317 Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. Vaccines may be provided. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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-. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview. MOS Code: 67D, 230X, 4EHX, 68W Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67D, 230X, 4EHX, 68W. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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-. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.