TJJD - Health Assistant-Mental Health Assistant (G

About the role

TJJD addresses the multiple and complex needs of the youth committed to the agency as well as their families through a trauma informed multidisciplinary integrated approach that includes implementation of the agency approved Texas Model and a Mental Health Treatment Program (MHTP). The MHTP provides enhanced psychiatric and psychological assistance to youth who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe mental health problems and/or illnesses, which allows the general rehabilitation case managers to focus on risk reduction and protective factor enhancement strategies in order to reduce the risk of reoffending. This collaboration allows for holistic and individualized treatment of youth in need of MHTP services.

Performs entry-level psychological work. Work involves assisting in planning, organizing, coordinating, and monitoring specialized treatment programs. Assists in meeting program goals and objectives; and provides Mental Health Services to youth. Implements and adheres to program standards; and fiscal, personnel, and legal policies.

Works under close supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per work week.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates treatment groups.
• Participates in Youth Service Team Meetings.
• Participates in implementation of behavior interventions and treatment plans.
• Assists in administering, scoring, analyzing, results of non-projective and performance tests.
• Assists in performing diagnostic and treatment functions.
• May assist with psychological research projects and program evaluations.
• May assist assigned therapist with family involvement.
• Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.
• Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures: Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible. Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with major course work in psychology or a related field.

Experience and Education Substitutions: One year of appropriate experience may substitute for one year of college (30 course hours) on a year for year basis. Completed course hours of undergraduate study may substitute for up to four years of experience on a basis of 30 course hours for one year of experience. Pro-rated part-time experience may satisfy the experience requirement.

Note: Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.

Requirements for Continued Employment: Failure to maintain required licenses/certifications will result in termination of employment.

This position is subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing and any offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable results from a drug screen conducted for the agency.

Skills

• Knowledge of personality theories, dynamics of behavior, psychological testing, counseling techniques and procedures, and behavioral research methodology.
• Skill in operating computers and using applicable computer software.
• Ability to discuss diagnoses, administer psychological treatment (under supervision), work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Analyzing
• Alphabetizing
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to see
• Ability to hear (with or without aid)
• Ability to perform tactile discernment
• Identify colors
• Depth perception
• Operate motor equipment
• Heavy lifting, up to 25 lbs.
• Heavy carrying, up to 25 lbs.
• Restraining combative youth
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Walking
• Standing
• Sitting
• Prolonged sitting
• Repeated bending
• Reaching above shoulder
• Manual/finger dexterity
• Dual simultaneous grasping
• Twisting
• Kneeling
• Stooping
• Climbing stairs

Benefits

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov. Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health and life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health and Life insurance, Health and Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, and career ladder advancements.