Social Services Mental Health Specialist V

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission is seeking a Social Services Mental Health Specialist V at the Waco Center for Youth to perform advanced therapeutic counseling, recovery planning, and coordination with families and authorities. Documentation in EMR is required, with a focus on individualized recovery plans.

The role supports disaster response and may require flexible hours. Eligible applicants must meet licensure requirements and have master’s level training in social work or

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in social work, counseling, or related field.
• Two or more years of experience in clinical assessment and treatment preferred.
• Must possess licensure or eligibility for LPC, LCSW, or LMFT.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy.
• Develop and monitor recovery plans.
• Document all efforts in the electronic medical record.
• Coordinate discharge planning with treatment team and families.

Skills

Counseling

Interviewing

Therapy

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in social work or counseling

Job description

Date: Sep 1, 2026

Location:

WACO, TX, US, 76708

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: Social Services Mental Health Specialist V

Job Title: Health Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Chld /orAdolPsych Social Svs

Posting Number: 20718

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

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

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 15%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location: Waco Center for Youth

Job Location City: WACO

Job Location Address: 3501 N 19TH ST

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 Mental Health Specialist V (Social Services Mental Health Specialist V) performs advanced therapeutic counseling work and provides consultation regarding treatment interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, conducting support groups, and communicating with families, Legally Authorized Representatives (LARs), courts, and Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) or Local Behavioral Health Authorities (LBHAs). The Social Services Mental Health Specialist V must document all efforts in the electronic medical record. 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 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, and performs other duties as assigned.


• Performs counseling and therapeutic activities, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred. In addition, may also meet with families of patients with other treatment team members to provide information and help with discharge planning. All efforts must be documented in the electronic medical record.


• 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. All efforts must be documented in the electronic medical record.


• Interviews referred patients and recommends to the patient's treatment team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain their status after being discharged from the hospital.


• Conducts individual and group sessions that help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery or efforts to regain competency. All efforts must be documented in the electronic medical record.


• Interviews patients and reviews records to help with difficult case conferences.


• Oversees the development of community support plans to address problems that may occur at discharge. Works with patients to successfully implement these plans. Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to service provision and to treatment across the hospital. This may include completing chart audits, participating in tracer activities, and reporting on services provided.


• 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 counseling and therapy.


• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices.


• Skill in interviewing.


• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family therapy.


• Ability to develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, Or Certifications

• Must possess a valid Texas driver's license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver's license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy. Must be able to drive state vehicles and golf carts.


• Must be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW, LMSW), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in social work, counseling, or a related field is required.


• Two (2) or more years' experience in clinical assessment and treatment, including work with populations evidencing severe psychopathology is 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 Aide, Medication Aide, and Employee Misconduct, and 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 of 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.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases its treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is "to give each youth a chance for change" by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

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

Waco