Health Assistant

About the role

The Behavioral Health Assistant works within the Behavioral Health Department (or other department depending on State Supported Living Center structure) to support the learning of practical, functional, and meaningful skills while decreasing challenging behavior. The position assists behavioral health specialists and behavior analysts in developing Skills Acquisition Plans (SAPs) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), collecting and reporting data, training direct‑care staff, and providing special treatment sessions. Work is performed under moderate supervision with minimal latitude for independent judgment. A flexible schedule and overtime are required.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and may be required to work a specific shift schedule, rotating schedule, extended shifts, or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy.
• Assist BHS staff in developing treatment and training strategies and providing therapy.
• Assist the interdisciplinary team (IDT) in developing treatment strategies, including baseline data collection.
• Gather information and data from direct‑care and clinical staff to contribute to individuals’ overall care plans.
• Complete various behavioral, psychiatric, preference, strengths, functional, adaptive‑skills, or other assessments as assigned.
• Train and assist direct‑care staff in implementing PBSPs and SAPs, provide special treatment sessions, serve as a restraint monitor, and perform Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) and Ukeru when necessary.
• Maintain contact with both direct‑care and professional staff to support care plans.
• Collect, enter, tabulate, and report behavioral, SAP, and restraint data as needed.
• Attend and participate in assigned meetings such as IDT meetings.
• Administer or assist in administering various assessments deemed necessary by the Behavior Health Specialist or Behavior Analyst.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Behavioral analysis theories, practice, and related regulatory guidelines for intellectual disabilities.
• Behavioral principles and research methodology.
• Positive behavioral supports and Skill Acquisition Plans with an active treatment loop.
• Various behavioral, psychiatric, adaptive, and other assessments.
• Facility operations, policies, procedures, laws, rules, standards, and guidelines.
• Ability to implement educational and behavioral treatment and therapy.
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and participation in committees.
• Training staff at all levels and providing clear oral and written reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and electronic health data systems such as CareTracker and IRIS.
• Ability to assist, administer, and score assessment results.
• Willingness to become certified as a Ukeru instructor if needed.
• Observe and accurately document challenging behaviors and skill acquisition.
• Model appropriate implementation of plans and monitor staff adherence.
• Coach direct‑care and other staff in plan implementation.
• Document data and progress thoroughly; enter and report data using electronic records and Excel.

Requirements

• Experience in psychological work.
• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in psychology or a related field (preferred; experience and education may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis).
• Experience teaching, training, or coaching others.
• Experience participating as a member of a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team.
• Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks (including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and LEIE).
• Males ages 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel up to 5% as required.

Benefits

HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package that 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 additional perks detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary Range: $3,649.83 – $4,594.50 per month (Pay Frequency: Monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑B‑14.

Schedule

Shift: Day (First). Additional Shift: Days. Telework: Not eligible. Flexible work schedule; overtime, extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be required. Travel up to 5% of time.