Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health and Human Services; Rusk (TX); On-site; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services seeks a Mental Health Specialist V at Rusk State Hospital to perform advanced psychological work under a licensed psychologist. You will provide therapy, recovery planning, and clinical documentation to support patient stabilization and discharge planning.

This exempt, full-time role requires independent judgment, supervision of others as needed, and participation in disaster response activities. On-site duties at 805 N Dickinson Dr, Rusk, TX.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.
• Licensure/certification requirements for psychology-related roles.

Responsibilities

• Provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy under supervision of a licensed psychologist.
• Develops individualized recovery plans and documents progress.
• Interviews referred patients and helps with discharge planning.
• Supervises and plans work for others as needed.
• Participates in quality assurance and disaster response activities.

Skills

Knowledge of psychology

Interviewing patients

Therapy skills

Diagnostic interviews

Plan and supervise others

Education

Master's or Doctorate in Psychology

Job description

Date: Oct 19, 2026

Location: RUSK, 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 V

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Max Security Unit-Psychology

Posting Number: 22495

Closing Date: 11/02/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Salary Range: $6,149.00 - $7,253.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

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: Exempt

Facility Location: Rusk State Hospital

Job Location City: RUSK

Job Location Address: 805 N DICKINSON DR

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. 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 Health Specialist V (Mental Health Specialist V) performs highly advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist. The Mental Health Specialist V provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation. Requires the ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

Performs psychological activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred. In addition, may also meet with families of patients with other recovery team members to provide information and help with discharge planning.

Develops individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans as assigned on a rotating basis incorporating the patient's goals, noting barriers to achieving these goals, and including appropriate objectives and interventions.

Interviews referred patients and makes recommendations to the patient's recovery team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain recovery after discharge from the hospital.

Develops and/or conducts specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery.

Interviews patients and reviews records to help with diagnostic clarification recovery planning. This may occur in regular recovery team meetings and in difficult case conferences.

Develops individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, etc. Works with staff to successfully implement these plans. Monitors effectiveness and modifies plans as needed. As needed, conducts psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision and to treatment across the hospital. This may include completing chart audits, participating in tracer activities, and reporting on services he/she has provided.

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 psychology and related disciplines
• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices
• Skill in interviewing patients.
• Ability to assist with conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
• Ability to develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities in skill acquisition and behavior management.
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must have one of the following: Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical or Master Social Worker (LCSW or LMSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.

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: Tyler