Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health and Human Services; San Antonio (TX); Presencial; USD 69 000 - 81 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

100% health insurance for employees

Defined benefit pension plan

Career advancement opportunities

Generous time off

Resumo da oferta

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Mental Health Specialist V at San Antonio State Hospital to perform advanced psychological/therapeutic work under supervision. The role includes counseling, recovery planning, and behavioral interventions across the hospital, with extensive autonomy and potential supervisory duties.

Qualifications include a master's or doctoral degree in psychology or counseling and licensure (LPA/LPC/LCSW/LMSW/LMFT or BCBA).

Qualificações

• Master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Three years of psychological/therapeutic experience.
• Must have one of: LPA, LPC, LCSW/LMSW, LMFT, or BCBA.

Responsabilidades

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy under supervision.
• Develop recovery plans and interventions.
• Interview referred patients and assist with discharge planning.
• Develop and conduct psychoeducational groups.
• Review records for diagnostic clarification and recovery planning.
• Develop behavior plans and supervise staff as needed.
• Participate in quality assurance activities.

Conhecimentos

Interviewing patients

Psychotherapy techniques

Behavioral assessment

Plan and supervise others

Formação académica

Master's or Doctorate in psychology/counseling

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Date: Oct 30, 2026
Location: SAN ANTONIO, 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: Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car
Posting Number: 22911
Closing Date: 11/29/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
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 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: San Antonio State Hospital

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS

Other Locations: San Antonio

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

This position is located on the Maximum Security Unit.

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.

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: San Antonio