Behavior Health Specialist V

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:

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 BHS V – Education/Psychology is responsible for the delivery of educational and skill acquisition services, including assessments, teaching methods, and teaching curriculum. Develops, implements, and evaluates skill acquisition plans. Performs data collection and reporting, and program evaluation. Serves as a member of the Unit and Interdisciplinary Teams. Conducts staff training and provides technical supervision and ensure training and feedback to staff responsible for implementing skill acquisition plans. Uses appropriate supervisory/management staff for assistance as needed. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to behavioral health service provision. Works with individuals who have complex needs and who may exhibit aggressive, self-injurious and/or other challenging behaviors. May be required to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.  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 BHS V 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

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 educational assessments and ensures development and approval of skill acquisition plans to meet individuals’ needs.

Writes or provides consultation to others on skill acquisition plans, as assigned.

Assist or develops other types of behavioral health services plans, including psychiatric support plans, behavioral support plans, and counseling plans, as assigned.

Conducts or ensures training for staff in teaching methodology (e.g., forward and backward chaining), individual skill acquisition plans, and other relevant topics to provide adequate staff training to facilitate optimal treatment and training.

Monitors and evaluates skill acquisition plans developed by others to ensure effective implementation.

Provides documentation (including data tables, 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 skill training and behavioral health information and programming perspectives to facilitate overall service delivery.

Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of the use of restraints and emergency procedures and ensures their accurate and timely documentation to ensure appropriate and minimal use.

Assists in the use and review of psychotropic medications such that these medications are only used in conjunction with adequate non-pharmacological supports including counseling plans, behavioral support plans, and psychiatric support plans. 

Assists in the collection of information and reviewing of evaluations to assess individuals’ level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior.

Maintains current knowledge in relevant areas in psychology, education, and 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 and experience in administering the delivery of educational and behavioral health services to persons with intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of developmental disabilities.

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

Knowledge in and ability to provide effective skill teaching to promote stable behavioral health.

Knowledge and skills in the administration of discipline specific assessments, including assessments of intelligence and adaptive behavior.

Knowledge and skills in designing effective teaching plans and the development, implementation, and evaluation of skill acquisition plans.

Ability to train staff on how to be effective skill trainers, the implementation of skill acquisition plans, 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.

Skills in effective written and oral communication.

Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to organize/prioritize work and complete basic duties with minimal supervision.

Commitment to facility workplace and service values.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Eligible to pursue licensure as a Psychological Associate 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.

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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.