BHS V - Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services

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Functional Title: BHS V - Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services 
Job Title: Behavioral Health Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Psychology A 
Posting Number: 10718 
Closing Date: 01/26/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21 
Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location: Rio Grande State Supported Living Center 
Job Location City: HARLINGEN 
Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI12 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services is accountable for the delivery of behavioral health services, including behavioral health assessments, therapeutic interventions, skill acquisition plans, and behavioral consultation, and serves as a member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams. Responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating behavior support plans (including comprehensive functional behavioral assessments), psychiatric support plans, skill acquisition plans, staff training, data collection and reporting, and program evaluation as assigned. Provides technical supervision and ensures training and feedback to staff responsible for implementing behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, counseling plans and skill acquisition plans, using appropriate supervisory/management staff for assistance as needed. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision. Acts as Director of Behavioral Health Services in their temporary absence. The Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Services oversees the implementation of individual support plans for individuals who have complex needs and who may exhibit aggressive, self-injurious and/or other challenging behaviors. Plans, assigns and oversees the work of other behavioral health specialists and other clinicians in the Behavioral Health Services Department. The work schedule varies situationally based upon service needs. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Assistant Director of Behavioral Health is hired and directly supervised by the Unit Director in consultation with the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Unit Model) or hired and directly supervised by the Director of Behavioral Health Services (Departmental Model). Professional supervision is provided by the Director of Behavioral Health Services or designee.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. [May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.]

Conducts functional behavioral assessments and ensures development and approval of behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to meet individuals’ needs.

Conducts or ensures training for staff in applied behavior analysis, individual behavior support plans and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.

Monitors and evaluates behavior support plans, psychiatric support plans, and skill acquisition plans to ensure effective implementation.

Provides documentation (including data, graphs, and progress notes) to reflect and evaluate individuals' response to treatment.

Participates as an effective member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams to provide psychological/behavioral information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.

Monitors and evaluates use of restraints and emergency procedures and ensures their accurate and timely documentation to ensure appropriate and minimal use.

Ensures coordination in the use and review of psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with behavior support plans.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to behavioral health service provision.

Plans the work of, assigns duties to, and supervises assigned staff to facilitate effective service delivery as evidenced by effective performance on the part of assigned staff.

Assures all psychological evaluations to assess individual’s level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior are performed in order to meet needs.

Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in psychology, behavioral health services, and training techniques to provide maximally effective services.

Performs special assignments as requested.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

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

Knowledge of ICF/IID Standards and their application as well as other relevant federal and state laws and regulations

Knowledge and experience in administering the delivery of behavioral health and/or psychological services to persons with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.

Knowledge in and ability to provide personal counseling.

Knowledge and skills in the administration of standardized evaluations including assessments of intelligence and adaptive behavior.

Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support, psychiatric support, and skill acquisition plan development, implementation, and evaluation.

Ability to train staff in behavior support plan implementation and basic psychological/behavioral concepts.

Ability to professionally supervise paraprofessional staff.

Ability to work within a model of professional supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines/parameters.

Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Eligible to pursue board certification as a behavior analyst upon hire is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in psychology, behavior analysis, education, or a related discipline; and

At least 6 months of experience in service delivery to persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.