Case Manager III - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

Texas Health and Human Services; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Case Manager III for the State Hospital Maximum Security Unit in Harlingen, TX. The role centers on leading the patient’s individualized recovery plan, coordinating care with physicians, and guiding discharge planning within a forensic- and clinical-focused environment.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with relevant case management experience; bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six months case management or social services work experience OR an Associate degree with 24+ months experience OR no degree with 48+ months experience in case management or social services.
• Preferred: bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the creation and development of the patient’s individualized recovery plan through initiating 1:1 meetings and serving as recovery team liaison.
• Reviews admissions and clients referred to care and develops the care plan.
• Documents progression of case into the patient’s medical record and recovery plan.
• Coordinates transition planning and ensures continuity of care among intra-agency transfers and external providers.

Job description

Date: Aug 18, 2026

Location:

HARLINGEN, TX

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.

Functional Title: Case Manager III - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

Job Title: Case Manager III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Residential Care Supervisor G

Posting Number: 19716

Closing Date: 11/16/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Rio Grande State Center

Job Location City: HARLINGEN

Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 0149,5832,230X,42SX,4C0X1,68X,73A,HM

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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.

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. Oversees the creation and development of the patient's individualized recovery plan through initiating 1:1 meetings with patients and serving as recovery team liaison to ensure the patient receives communication and direction regarding his/her recovery and discharge plan. Reviews admissions and clients referred to his/her care and initiates process for developing care plan. Works with physicians to ensure development of plan is accurate and reflective of treatment orders. Documents progression of case into the patient’s medical record and recovery plan. Authors staffing/patient reviews with team members and implements the patient’s recovery plan ensuring compliance with standards. Facilitates with the team, working closely with the patient to aid in achieving recovery goals, removing barriers, and ultimately meeting criteria for discharge. Collects data from each team member from the staffing review sessions and updates the plan accordingly in the electronic medical record. Promotes good public relations with the patient care units, hospital departments, and the community. Works closely with other HHSC facilities to ensure continuity of care when patients are transferred between agencies. Monitors patients' progress towards achieving discharge goals, competency education goals, or outpatient placement. Assures placement for the patient prior to discharge. Provides education on appropriate discharge options. Presents case information in civil and forensic court hearings on an as needed basis. Adheres to established procedures for accuracy and timeliness in the completion of required departmental documentation and abides by established policies. Writes progress notes which conform to hospital standards. Demonstrates competency in the provision of population/age-specific services provided. Demonstrates competency in documentation skills and in carrying out established policies and procedures. Accountable to The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) standards for accreditation and the required documentation authored by the case manager must meet TJC and CMS standards. Completes such documentation within 72 hours in order to maintain compliance with TJC and CMS standards. Effectively participates in staffing/patient reviews by identifying and recommending appropriate therapeutic activities to achieve discharge or competency. Accurately reports patient progress toward individualized treatment goals during staffing/patient reviews. Coordinates transition planning and ensures continuity of care among intra-agency transfers, external providers, and the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA). Troubleshoots and finds resolutions to barriers to placement. Assists with monitoring the overall program and providing program evaluation. Serves as the case coordinator and manages the patient’s activities from admission to discharge. Assists with developing departmental policies and procedures. 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.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of community resources and case management principles, objectives, standards, and methods. Knowledge of the program's policies and procedures. Knowledge of the differences between civil and forensic commitments, competency restoration requirements, NGRI process and discharge requirements. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to collect and analyze program data for quality and outcome monitoring. Ability to assess client needs. Ability to coordinate client services. Ability to monitor program effectiveness. Ability and to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

If transporting patients, must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six months case management or social services work experience required. OR Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience case management or social services work required. OR No degree and a minimum of forty-eight months experience in case management or social services work required. Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish

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 and Terrell 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.

Nearest Major Market: Brownsville