Director of Psychology

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 each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package 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 more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

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.

The Psychologist III acts as the Director of Psychology at Austin State Hospital and reports directly to the Assistant Clinical Director. The Director of Psychology performs highly advanced, specialized, and managerial psychological work and is required to complete complex tasks and make varied decisions with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  This position directly supervises all psychology department staff members in collaboration with local service area program directors. Supervision includes but is not limited to forensic evaluators, staff psychologists, mental health specialists, and administrative assistants.  The Director of Psychology oversees the provision of psychology services campus-wide, including psychological assessment, neuropsychology services, individual and group therapy, individualized behavior programs, development of Person-Centered Recovery Plans, and treatment team functions. The Director of Psychology also oversees the forensic competency restoration and evaluation program in collaboration with other relevant disciplines. The Director of Psychology oversees the training of psychology department-related trainees and provides clinical and forensic psychological services as needed. The Director of Psychology acts as a member of the hospital Leadership Team, represents the psychology department in assigned hospital and statewide committees, and establishes standards for all psychology services at Austin State Hospital which includes the development and ongoing monitoring or performance improvement initiatives. This position requires advanced time management, organization, and communication skills.     

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.

Directly supervises all psychology department staff in collaboration with service area program directors. This includes but is not limited to forensic evaluators, staff psychologists, neuropsychologists, mental health specialists and administrative assistants. Manages the performance of assigned staff and provides regular coaching and feedback. Conducts performance evaluations, ensures compliance with required training, and assigns psychology staff to treatment teams and projects. Maintains adequate staffing of the psychology department through hiring and retention. Ensures that all staff maintain current licensure and certification as applicable.

Oversees provision of all psychology services across the facility.  This includes but is not limited to psychological assessment, neuropsychology services, individual and group therapy, individualized behavior programs, development of Person-Centered Recovery Plans, and treatment team functions. Provides clinical supervision to all licensed psychologists and mental health specialists. Provides consultation to psychology staff, treatment teams, and serves as a member of the Clinical Resource Team in reviewing complex cases across the facility.

Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines including but not limited to competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity. Develops and implements procedures to ensure that forensic evaluations are completed, documented, and communicated to the relevant courts or other entities in accordance with applicable statutes, standards, and policies. Evaluates and ensures the professional competency of forensic evaluators through coaching and training as needed. Collaborates with other disciplines to develop forensic policies and procedures.

Provides clinical and forensic psychological services as needed, including but not limited to psychological assessments and evaluations, suicide risk assessments, COPSD assessments, forensic trial competency examinations, violence risk assessments, individual, group, or family psychotherapy, and debriefings after episodes of restraint or seclusion.

Establishes standards for all psychology services at Austin State Hospital. Updates the policies and procedure manuals as necessary. Monitors performance of the psychology department and develops the department’s annual performance improvement plan and reports data quarterly. Chairs monthly departmental staff meetings, initiates continuous quality improvement activities, and provides frequent consultation with psychology staff and other disciplines. 

Acts a member of the hospital’s Leadership Team. Communicates relevant information to colleagues and collaborates with other members of the Leadership Team on psychology department-related projects and issues. Represents the psychology department in various hospital committees and /or workgroups. Oversees the facility’s Dangerousness Review Board. 

Oversees the training of psychology department-related trainees, including coordinating with university training directors and facility supervisors to structure placements and supervision.

Other duties as assigned: Include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency 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. Completes special projects as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge regarding applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.

Knowledge of psychological assessments and evaluations, including forensic competency evaluations and violence risk assessments.

Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software including Microsoft Suite and multifunction copier machines.

Ability to train and supervise others including psychology and administrative staff.

Advanced time management, organizational, and leadership skills.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work as a member of a team.

Ability to modify existing practices consistent with evolving guidelines, rules, regulations, and policies.

Ability to provide clinical psychology services and consultations.

Ability to oversee the training of students, fellows, residents and other psychology-related trainees.

Ability to develop and oversee performance improvement projects and programs.

Ability to effectively handle multiple responsibilities.

Ability to give, receive, and incorporate feedback in a professional manner.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Doctoral level psychology education and training (PhD or PsyD) with current, active, unencumbered license as a psychologist in the state of Texas. Must possess and maintain expert qualifications to complete forensic evaluations as defined in Article 46B.022 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Doctoral level psychology education and training (PhD or PsyD).

Current, active, unencumbered license as a psychologist in the state of Texas.

Expert qualifications to complete forensic evaluations as defined in Article 46B.022 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

Experience in a leadership role in a psychiatric setting.

Additional Information:

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, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

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 considered to be 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. 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form