Mental Health Specialist III

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Vernon, TX seeks a Mental Health Specialist III to join Vernon State Hospital. The role entails clinical psychotherapy with individuals, groups, and families, supporting discharge planning and treatment team coordination.

This full-time, exempt position offers a daytime shift, up to 5% travel, and a benefits package including health insurance and a pension. Telework is not eligible; regular duties may include disaster response and COOP participation.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Performs psychological activities, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred from home unit and/or from other units.
• In addition, meets with families of patients with other treatment team members to provide information and help with discharge planning.
• Will also gauge and implement any results-based activities promoting improvement of care for patients.

Job description

Date: Sep 23, 2026

Location:

VERNON, 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: Mental Health Specialist III

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: MaxSecPsych Psychology

Posting Number: 21799

Closing Date: 10/07/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Salary Range: $5,370.75 - $6,335.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Shift: Day

Additional Shift

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations: Vernon

MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI12

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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations. 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.

Will 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.

Performs psychological activities, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred from home unit and/or from other units.

In addition, meets with families of patients with other treatment team members to provide information and help with discharge planning.

Will also gauge and implement any results-based activities promoting improvement of care for patients.

Employee will perform