Social Work Supervisor

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 Social Worker IV (Social Work Supervisor) performs advanced (senior-level) social work. Work involves providing advanced clinical services to persons served at the hospital; administrative work including supervision of Social Workers; and acts as a participant on the Social Work Management Team. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

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.

Oversees the social work program. Ensures that social work policies and procedures are updated at least annually. Serves as a member of the Mental Health Services and social work dept leadership teams to ensure appropriate programming. Submits evaluations and reports concerning staff recommendations, social work coverage, in-service training needs, budgetary matters, and social work program status. Participates in budget planning, unit administration, and program development and evaluation. Participates in organizational workgroups.

The Social Work Supervisor will review the social assessments, recovery plans, and discharge plans to ensure that the psychosocial, economic, and physical needs of clients are being addressed by the treatment team.

Provides clinical and administrative supervision for Social Workers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, selecting and hiring potential employees, scheduling and assigning workload, establishing performance measures, evaluating work performance, providing feedback and guidance, recommending staff development and training, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and scheduling and approving leave.  Primary information resource for supervisees.

The Social Work Supervisor will monitor the quality of delivery of social work services to ensure that acceptable standards of care are met.  This is accomplished through monthly audits reported to the Provision of Care committee, weekly case consultation with social workers, and monthly chart reviews.  Will provide training to social worker and treatment team if issues arise.

The Social Work Supervisor will oversee, provide, and review clinical treatment services provided by social workers, including clinical assessments, individual, group, and family therapy.  Monthly audits of social assessments, progress notes, and quarterly monitoring of treatment sessions.  Completing annual competency check list for social workers - will provide training and support when a social worker is not competent in any area.

The Social Work Supervisor will oversee the coordination of discharges for clients ensuring collaboration with the client, family, interdisciplinary team, and community resources.  This is monitored monthly through discharge plan reviews and reported to the Provisions of Care committee.  The social work supervisor must review and approve all discharge plans that are not created by a licensed master level social worker.

The Social Work Supervisor will ensure that assigned social worker serves as a liaison between the clients and their family, state and judicial systems, and the facility.  The social workers are to help reestablish lines of communication with the community and the patient.

Ensures that the Social Work Department complies with all facility Continuous Quality Improvement programs, The Joint Commission and Center for Medicare Services standards, etc., supporting growth in operations which are performed under applicable agency regulations. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of mental illness and emotional components of physical illness

Knowledge of rehabilitation methods

Knowledge of casework principles

Knowledge of community resources

Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, and practices of social work.

Skill in interviewing

Ability to oversee a social work program.

Ability to evaluate reports of social studies.

Ability to evaluate social assessments.

Ability to make treatment plans, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker required.

The Social Worker is required to maintain licensure in accordance with Texas Board of Social Work Examiners.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker.

AND

Five (5) years’ experience including three (3) years of which must be working directly with persons with mental, social or substance use disorders.

OR

Licensed Master Social Worker, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker is required.

Two (2) years’ experience including one year of which must be working directly with persons with mental, social or substance use disorders.

One year of experience in supervising social services work.

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.

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

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.