Psychologist II

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 II (Clinical Psychologist) performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Director of Psychology. The Clinical Psychologist is responsible for coordinating psychological activities and programs, conducting psychological evaluations, diagnosing, and counseling clients, and conducting psychological research. The Psychologist provides clinical supervision, consultation, and technical assistance to program staff. Provides guidance to graduate psychology trainees as requested. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes 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.

Provides individual or group counseling for youth, adults, and families by offering therapeutic sessions to individuals or groups to address mental health issues, improve coping strategies, and support overall well-being.

Administers and interprets psychological tests and conducting psychological assessments and diagnoses by utilizing standardized psychological tests to evaluate clients' mental health, interpreting the results accurately, and diagnosing any psychological conditions.

Supervises the work of others by overseeing the activities of other psychologists or mental health professionals, providing guidance, support, and ensuring that their work meets the required standards as needed or required.

In conjunction with the treatment team, implements specialized treatment programs as appropriate. Ensures these programs are effectively meeting the patients' unique requirements. Continually monitors the effectiveness of the various interventions.

In conjunction with the treatment team, develops and coordinates training programs by designing educational and training sessions for staff, clients, or other stakeholders to enhance their understanding and skills related to psychological practices and mental health.

In conjunction with the treatment team, designs and monitors behavior modification and skill acquisition plans. This involves assessing patients' behaviors, creating plans to modify undesirable behaviors, and helping patients acquire new skills to improve their mental health and functioning.

Coordinates and evaluates mental health and psychological delivery services by creating and managing various mental health initiatives and ensuring they meet the needs of patients. This includes assessing the effectiveness of these treatments and making necessary adjustments.

Provides training, education, and expert consultation to multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders on psychological services. This is achieved through comprehensive continuing education programs, tailored outreach initiatives, and collaborative efforts designed to enhance awareness, improve inter-agency coordination, and promote best practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of and skills in interviewing techniques with individuals and families, and knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic criteria

Knowledge of psychotherapy and CBT, DBT, behavior therapy, and other empirically supported psychotherapeutic modalities.

Knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of a variety of psychological tests, including personality and intellectual instruments

Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation relating to psychological services

Skills in the use of psychological instruments to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering (i.e. MMPI, HCR-20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, and SIRS)

Ability to provide direct services in accordance with accepted professional standards.

Ability to function as a member of the psychology management team.

Ability to provide individual and family education regarding serious mental illness.

Ability to complete treatment documentation in electronic medical record using computer.

Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment/discharge implications to team members, courts, and patients where appropriate.

Ability to educate staff in correct implementation of individual and group therapy programs as well as Individualized Intervention programs as needed.

Ability to operate a computer and applicable software.

Ability to train and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.

A doctoral degree based on a program of studies whose content is primarily psychological in nature (transcript indicates a major in psychology) or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of such a degree may be found in the regulations of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in psychology

Experience in psychological work; at least one (1) year of supervised experience by a licensed psychologist in the field of psychological services; the year of supervised experience may be interpreted as an academic year of full-time supervised internship in an approved clinical program.

One year of experience conducting individual and group psychotherapy with forensic populations in an inpatient 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.

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.

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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.