Mental Health Specialist V

Brief Job Description

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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• 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 makes recommendations 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines
• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices
• Skill in interviewing patients.
• 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• 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 Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.