Clinical Psychologist

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.

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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

We have opportunities for motivated, enthusiastic psychologists willing to work in various specialized service areas, including long term geriatric units, child and adolescent units, adult acute and intermediate services including our veteran’s program. Psychologists are typically assigned to one unit providing services but may also serve in other areas depending on hospital needs. The ideal person for this role possesses superior clinical skills and must be able to function as part of a collaborative team of specialized mental health professionals.

The Clinical Psychologist assures that psychological assessments and psychotherapy are provided to those patients who require and can benefit from these services. He/she also provides input into the psychological factors and treatment needs of patients to treatment teams as assigned. He/she is involved in providing staff training and in the development of psychoeducational groups and classes on the unit and in the hospital at large as called on. The Clinical Psychologist II may also supervise the work of others as assigned. Serves on committees throughout the facility as needed and provides backup for the Supervising Psychologist as needed.

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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Administers and interprets psychological tests and conducts diagnostic assessments.

Prepares and reviews psychological evaluations and reports for completeness and accuracy.

Provides individual, group and family therapies.

Oversees the design and implementation of special treatment programs.

Directs psychological activities and programs.

May develop, plan, and deliver training programs.

Designs and conducts program evaluation studies.

May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Performs related work 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 and skills in interviewing techniques with individuals and families, and knowledge of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnostic criteria

Broad based understanding of psychological/personality theory and severe and persistent mental illness

Knowledge of administration, scoring, and interpretation of a variety of psychological tests, including personality and intellectual instruments

Thorough understanding of group process

Understanding of principles of Continuous Quality Improvement and ethical standards

Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC) standards and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conditions of participation relating to psychological services

Clear and concise communication and interpersonal skills

Therapeutic skills in individual and group therapy required.

Skills in behavior therapy, family therapy, CBT, and DBT, preferred.

Ability to integrate data and theory into a sound understanding of patients with severe and persistent mental illness.

Ability to convey understanding of patients and other information to others through clear and organized reporting.

Ability to work with individuals and groups.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctoral degree in psychology.

Successful completion of a pre-doctoral internship in clinical or counseling psychology

AND

Experience in psychological work.

Documented training and supervised experience in group, individual, and behavioral therapies, psychological assessment, and psychological testing.

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 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