Physician II

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 every stage of your life and work journey.

About the role

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? HHSC is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HHSC operates ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state-supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are hubs of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, accredited by The Joint Commission, and provide state-of-the-art, recovery-oriented, science-based treatment.

The Physician II performs advanced (senior-level) clinical work, providing medical treatment to patients in the state hospital. Responsibilities include obtaining medical histories, conducting comprehensive physical examinations, assessing physiological, psychological, and behavioral factors, developing treatment plans, administering specialized medical treatments, and monitoring medical trends to recommend improvements. The role also involves providing treatment for minor injuries to state hospital employees and offering clinical supervision to other staff as needed.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly and adhere to shift schedules, including potential overtime or extended hours.
• Provide medical treatment to state hospital patients by conducting physical examinations, diagnostic evaluations, and documenting medical histories.
• Review test results promptly and address abnormal findings; refer to outside specialists when appropriate.
• Perform and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe and administer treatment, and document the justification and course of treatment in electronic medical records.
• Monitor and advise staff on patients with unusual or difficult medical problems.
• Consult with patients’ primary physicians and multidisciplinary treatment teams to ensure comprehensive healthcare.
• Participate in the hospital’s quality assessment and performance improvement programs, including serving on committees and developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating performance improvement plans and health policies.
• Develop clinical guidelines, health education, and resources for patients and direct care staff.
• Provide clinical supervision to other staff as needed and participate in developing corrective actions for identified issues.
• Recommend hospital policies, new treatment forms, and needs for equipment and staff.
• Practice in a manner that reflects esteem and respect for patients and their families.
• Design, facilitate, and manage medical services; participate in research protocols or serve on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as requested.
• Provide treatment for minor injuries to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment.
• Actively participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college of medicine with a degree as a medical doctor.
• Completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
• Two years of experience in clinical or public health work.
• One year of experience working in a psychiatric hospital setting.
• Must be licensed as a Physician by the State of Texas Medical Board.
• Current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
• Possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#) and enroll as a Medicaid and Medicare Part B provider.
• Pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks, including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Must be at least 18 years of age; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. Vaccinations for hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza may be mandated based on level of patient contact. Non-compliance with influenza vaccination may require wearing a mask and other protective measures.

Skills

• Knowledge of medical methods, procedures, and trends.
• Knowledge of principles and practices in developing, implementing, and documenting individualized care and treatment plans.
• Knowledge of disease management and risk analysis principles.
• Skills in patient care and treatment.
• Skills in using medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.
• Proficiency in using computers and applicable software.
• Skills in developing, describing, and communicating medical plans.
• Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution.
• Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat physical or mental disorders.
• Ability to interpret laboratory analyses and x-rays.
• Ability to supervise the work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals, employees, peers, family members, and medical/non-medical professionals.
• Ability to evaluate patients and implement effective treatment in coordination with interdisciplinary personnel.

Benefits

HHSC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Pay

Salary Range: $19,064.58 - $23,120.50 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Shift: Day (First shift).
• Not eligible for telework.
• Travel: Up to 10%.
• FLSA Status: Exempt.

Facility Location: San Antonio State Hospital, 6711 S New Braunfels, San Antonio, TX.