Medical Director

Texas Health and Human Services; Terrell (TX); On-site; USD 283,183 - 312,210; Full time

Job summary

The Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Terrell, TX seeks a Psychiatrist V (Medical Director) to guide clinical leadership across psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and state‑operated centers. You will review diagnoses, treatment plans, and policies to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centered care.

Lead quality improvement projects, supervise psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and participate in disaster response when

Qualifications

• Knowledge of psychiatric principles and methods.
• Knowledge of policy development and patient safety.
• Leadership and team management in clinical settings.
• Ability to develop and interpret policies.
• Strong communication skills in writing and oral.
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Attend work regularly; rotating shifts/overtime may be required.
• Develop individualized recovery plans; coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Oversee psychiatric/medical treatment; diagnostics and care planning.
• Provide strategic direction for patient‑centered care and staff training.
• Consult with staff on difficult psychiatric cases and new treatments.
• Monitor trends; develop admission and treatment policies.
• Direct quality assurance and performance improvement projects.
• Supervise psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses; manage contracts.
• Maintain communication with medical directors and central office for continuity.
• Supervise student rotations; write statements of work for contracts.
• Participate in disaster response and continuity planning when required.

Skills

Psychiatric care skills

Policy development

Leadership

Communication

Quality improvement

Education

MD/DO degree

Residency training in Psychiatry

Tools

Computer software usage

Job description

Date: Jul 8, 2026

Location: TERRELL, TX

Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Job Title: Psychiatrist V (Medical Director)

Posting Number: 18779

Closing Date: 10/06/2026

Salary Range: $25,374.89 - $27,975.83 per month

Shift: Day

Full Time: Regular

Exempt

Brief Job Description

Do you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? HHSC aims to build an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. This role guides clinical leadership across psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and state‑supported living centers, all accredited by The Joint Commission. The Psychiatrist V directs psychiatric care, reviews diagnosis and treatment plans, develops policies, and leads quality improvement initiatives. If compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we invite you to apply below.

Essential Job Functions

• Attend work on a regular basis; may be required to work specific or rotating shift schedules and overtime.
• Develop and implement individualized psychiatric recovery plans and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Oversee psychiatric and medical treatment, including diagnostics, treatment planning, and administration of care.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership ensuring patient‑centered care, resource optimization, and staff training.
• Consult directly with clinical staff on difficult or refractory psychiatric problems and new treatments.
• Monitor trends, oversee diagnosing and treatment of all patients, and develop admission, access, and treatment policies.
• Direct clinical quality assurance and performance improvement projects at the hospital level.
• Supervise staff, including subordinate psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses, and manage clinical contracts.
• Maintain communication with other medical directors, central office, superintendent, and committees to ensure continuity of services.
• Serve as supervising physician for student rotations, writing statements of work for contracts.
• Participate in disaster response and continuity of operations, when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of psychiatric principles and methods.
• Knowledge of general medicine methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of implementation and documentation of individualized care and recovery plans.
• Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and accreditation standards applicable to hospitals.
• Knowledge of quality improvement and patient safety principles.
• Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
• Skills in developing policies and procedures.
• Skills in leading and managing committees.
• Skills in conflict management.
• Skills in conducting psychiatric research.
• Skills in computer and software usage.
• Skills in managing large, complex medical systems.
• Skills in reading complex regulatory documents.
• Ability to direct complex psychiatric care activities.
• Ability to interpret diagnostic studies and analyses.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and develop policies.
• Ability to develop Statements of Work for clinical contracts.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Unrestricted medical doctor license in Texas.
• Board certified or eligible in Psychiatry in Texas.
• Current DEA registration certificate.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) as required by Medicare Part B.
• Enrollment as a Medicaid and Medicare Part B provider.

Initial Screening Criteria

• At least 3‑5 years of experience as a psychiatrist.
• At least 3‑5 years of experience working with patients with psychiatric disorders.
• Residency training in psychiatry.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old; Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21.
• Work may require overtime and/or extended hours.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations is required.
• All employees must be vaccinated per CDC recommendations against hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and influenza or use appropriate protective measures.

ADA Accommodations

HHSC provides reasonable accommodation during the hiring process and interview for qualified individuals with a disability. Contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 for assistance.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework; however, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and supervisor discretion.

Nearest Major Market: San Antonio