Program Specialist I

Health & Human Services Comm; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission seeks a Program Specialist I to support admissions and commitments at Vernon State Hospital. You will review recommitment documents, maintain records, coordinate court-ordered actions, and assist in disaster response and COOP activities.

Expectation includes high school graduation, strong Excel/Word skills, and experience in a psychiatric setting. The role may involve overtime and occasional alternate shifts.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Three (3) years’ experience in a psychiatric hospital preferred.
• Experience with AFP and MSU Admissions guidelines preferred.
• Experience with commitment types appropriate for MSU and AFP preferred.
• Experience with Recommitment process preferred.
• Experience with County Courts preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite, with an emphasis in Excel and Word preferred.
• Experience with RAD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule.
• Screens recommitment documents for MSU patients who require further inpatient care and verifies physician certificates.
• Maintains electronic records detailing commitment time flow and communicates with staff and courts.
• Coordinates Bech Warrants, discharge dates and schedules for those deemed Competent to Stand Trial.
• Schedules admission appointments and discharges, coordinates court-ordered appointments, and shares information with agencies.

Job description

Program Specialist I

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.

Employment Details:

Posting Number: 22333

Closing Date: 10/28/2026

Salary Range: $3,581.33-$5,372.41

Shift: Day

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17

Facility Location: Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Other Locations: Vernon

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

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.

Screens recommitment documents for MSU patients who require further inpatient care. Verifies completeness of physician’s certificates in addition to psychological evaluations. Ensures patient is recommitted before current commitment expiration. Mitigates any irregularities.

Maintains records on electronic database for each unit detailing step-by-step commitment time flow. Expiring commitments will be identified, communication with program staff and the courts will be documented throughout the process.

Coordinates Bech Warrants, schedules discharge dates and time for those found Competent to Stand Trial according to policy and procedure of the Admissions and Commitments Department.

Ensures all telephone calls are handled promptly and efficiently and that admission appointments and discharges are scheduled. Coordinates court requested appointments with patients. Ensures all necessary information is supplied to requesting agencies and unit personnel.

Employee actively participates and/or serves in a support role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery pr Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Serves as QIT member.

On assigned cases, checks all legal documents for validity for each potential admission to Vernon Sate Hospital (VSH). Attempts to rectify any discrepancies found with the appropriate court.

Provides assistance and back-up to the Hearings Coordinator, AFP Admissions, and Admissions intake Specialist during any absences.

Serves as back-up to the Admissions and Commitments Director and Admissions Coordinator.

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 general office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of the laws relating to court commitments and impeccable communication skills to relate that knowledge to legal representatives and other stakeholders.

Ability to make decisions independently using good imitative and judgment.

Ability to be flexible and able to work in a high stress environment, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.

All areas of application must be complete.

Three (3) years’ experience working in a psychiatric hospital preferred.

Experience with AFP and MSU Admissions guidelines preferred.

Experience with commitment types appropriate for MSU and AFP preferred.

Experience of Recommitment process preferred.

Experience working with County Courts preferred.

Experience with Microsoft Suite, with an emphasis in Excel and Word preferred.

Experience with RAD preferred.

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.

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 tothose 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.