Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Psychologist III Opportunity in Vernon, TX

Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Vernon, TX, United States

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? HSCA 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. The Psychologist III performs highly advanced, specialized and/or managerial psychological work and is required to complete complex tasks and make varied decisions within broad parameters with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The Psychologist III provides professional supervision and consultation for all staff psychologists and special programs. The Psychologist III may also supervise psychology interns or practicum students. He/she actively participates in and approves decisions to hire staff psychologists. The Psychologist III is responsible for ongoing performance evaluation of staff psychologists and participates in the formal evaluation process. The Psychologist III reviews and coordinates the review and approval process for behavior support plans and reviews the use of psychotropic medication in treating behavior problems. The Psychologist III systematically evaluates the consistent implementation of behavior support plans through personal observation, staff interviews, and review of documentation. He/she works with Unit Directors and staff psychologists to facilitate effective program implementation. The Psychologist III provides for professional development of staff psychologists including applied behavior analysis, learning principles, positive behavior support and contemporary psychological issues to positively impact service delivery. The Psychologist III is responsible for maintaining knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and departmental and agency policy and for developing systems and procedures to meet the standards and requirements therein. The Psychologist III directly supervises assigned clerical support staff and develops and maintains assigned budgetary responsibilities relevant to psychological and behavioral services. Some travel is required, and work varies upon request or 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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.
Essential Job Functions: 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. Provides professional supervision and consultation to Psychology staff and others, as needed, to ensure effective staff performance and resident support. (20%) Evaluates psychological/behavioral services and develops plans of improvement as needed to address needs/deficiencies to ensure compliance with relevant laws, standards, and policies as well as to ensure best practice. (20%) Ensures ongoing training and technical assistance to assigned professional staff and others as needed (e.g., direct contact staff) to facilitate service delivery and professional growth. (15%) Ensures coordination and integration of psychological/behavioral services with other areas throughout the facility to ensure clear expectations, facilitate best practices, ensure uniformity of procedures, and to support system values. (15%) Ensures quality and effectiveness of forensic psychological activities and programs and oversees evaluations when indicated. (10%) Participates in the joint selection and orientation of assigned staff to ensure appropriate screening, hiring process, and effective selection/orientation. (5%) Performs special assignments at the request of the Clinical Director. (5%) Maintains current knowledge in relevant professional areas. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties 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. (5%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge and experience in administering all aspects of the delivery of psychological service to persons with psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses. Knowledge regarding etiology and characteristics of psychiatric and substance abuse diagnoses. Knowledge regarding applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy. Knowledge and skills in the administration of standardized evaluations. Knowledge and skills in applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation and evaluation. Knowledge regarding psychotropic medications and systems to track treatment effectiveness. Ability to train staff in programming and related psychological/behavioral areas. Ability to professionally supervise psychological/behavioral and programming staff. Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines/parameters. Advanced writing skills in developing technical reports, grants, research, proposals, and other relevant documents. Leadership skills in motivating staff and effectively implementing changes. Knowledge and skills in using personal computers and relevant software.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
Initial Selection Criteria: A doctoral degree in Psychology. Experience in administering psychological service in the inpatient psychiatric setting preferred. Experience in the administration of standardized evaluations. Applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation preferred. Minimum of two (2) years' experience supervising psychological/behavioral and programming staff preferred.