Mental Health Specialist V

Texas Health and Human Services; Terrell (TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is hiring a Mental Health Specialist V in Terrell, TX. This full-time role involves providing various psychological services, including individual and group therapy, and developing patient recovery plans. Candidates must hold a master's or doctorate in psychology or counseling and have a minimum of three years of therapeutic experience. The position requires licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate or Licensed Professional Counselor. Join a dedicated team making a positive impact on Texans' lives.

Qualifications

• Ability to assist with conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Three years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.
• Licensed as a Licensed Psychological Associate or Licensed Professional Counselor.

Responsibilities

• Perform individual, group, and family therapy with patients.
• Develop individualized Person-Centered Recovery Plans.
• Conduct psychological test administration under supervision.

Skills

Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines

Skill in interviewing patients

Ability to conduct psychotherapy

Ability to develop behavior plans

Education

Master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or related field

Job description

Date: May 11, 2026

Location: TERRELL, TX

Functional Title: Mental Health Specialist V. Job Title: Health Specialist V. Agency: Health & Human Services Comm. Department: Adm AcuteCare Psych Psychology. Posting Number: 16816. Closing Date: 11/09/2026. Posting Audience: Internal and External. Occupational Category: Healthcare Support. Salary Range: $5,530.00 - $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: Terrell Center for Youth. Job Location City: TERRELL. Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN. Other Locations: Terrell. 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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, 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.

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 or 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 or she has provided.

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 be licensed as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a person eligible to pursue licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists as a Licensed Psychologist. OR a related specialty certification preferred such as 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 18 and 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. Applicants for the Waco Center for Youth 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. Healthcare workers are required to be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. If an employee chooses not to be vaccinated for influenza, a mask and other protective measures may be required.

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 are not limited to, those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1‑888‑894‑4747.

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. Applicants must bring their I‑9 documentation on the first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. 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