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Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Psychologist II

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

Job Description:
The Psychologist II (Forensic Evaluator) performs advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. The Forensic Evaluator is responsible for conducting the 46B and Chapter 55 competency evaluations, as well as violence risk assessments under 46C. Responsibilities include developing, supporting, coordinating forensic psychological activities and programs, and conducting forensic psychological assessments and psycho-legal evaluations of patients competency to stand trial. The Forensic Evaluator provides consultation and training for staff providing forensic education services on competency restoration commitments. Supervises the work of others and graduate psychology trainees as requested. Works under limited supervision, with considerable 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 agencys 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:
1. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other
duties as assigned.
2. 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.
3. Develops, supports, and coordinates forensic psychological activities and programs. Conducts evaluations of forensic patients on 46B/46C/Chapter 55 commitments in accordance with the HHSC State Hospital Forensic Operating Procedure and uses standardized psychological instruments to complete formal psychological testing when indicated.
4. In collaboration with the psychology director and superintendent consults, evaluates, and guides the forensic treatment process for the inpatient psychiatric population.
5. Provides hospital administration and recovery teams with consultation, training, and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic evaluations on competency restoration commitments and safe community discharge planning. Provides additional training on communicating with courts in a manner that facilitates discharge to the community.
6. Provides consultation and guidance on the appropriate application of forensic-educational activities based on existing best practices and current peer-reviewed research.
7. Provides effective expert testimony to courts regarding forensic psychological evaluations.
8. Effectively works within defined role to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion through the implementation of
strategies put forth through mission, vision, values, and training. Models interactions that reflect trauma-informed care and empower individuals to actively participate in their treatment.
9. Works effectively as a member of the psychology management team, in consultation with the psychology director and superintendent. Provides consultation to teams around criteria for competency in 46B and discharge in 46C populations.
10. Provides case outreach, training, education, and consultation to other disciplines, relevant courts and other
community stakeholders on forensic services through continuing education programs and other outreach efforts.
11. Provides clinical and/or administrative supervision of others as assigned.
12. Actively supports hospital and agency safety (including patient safety) risk management, and infection control programs.
13. Serves on various hospital committees and workgroups as assigned.
14. Participates in the hospital quality assessment performance improvement activities, auditing records, evaluating performance indicators, and developing plans of correction.
15. Effectively works within defined role to provide patients with recovery-focused care, including an emphasis on
reducing use of restraints when possible. Demonstrates support for and participation in performance improvement efforts toward implementation of a recovery/trauma-informed care (TIC) treatment/recovery planning environment. Applies recovery/TIC principles to all interactions with other staff and treatment team members and supports the team in the ongoing implementation of best practices related to recovery. Specifically supports peer support team and peer support concepts.
16. 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 agencys 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 Abilities:
1. Knowledge of forensic psychological assessment and treatment of the seriously mentally ill forensic populations.
2. Knowledge of psychotherapy and CBT, DBT, behavior therapy, and other empirically supported psychotherapeutic modalities.
3. Skills in the use of psychological instruments to evaluate personality, neurocognition, adaptive functioning, suicide risk, and malingering (i.e. MMPI, HCR-20, VRAG, TOMM, MFAST, and SIRS).
4. Ability to conduct forensic and psychological assessments and write clear, concise reports.
5. Ability to provide expert testimony to courts regarding forensic and psychological assessments.
6. Ability to provide direct services in accordance with accepted professional standards.
7. Ability to function as a member of the psychology management team.
8. Ability to provide individual and family education regarding serious mental illness.
9. Ability to complete treatment documentation in electronic medical record using computer.
10. Ability to communicate assessment data and treatment/discharge implications to team members, courts, and
patients where appropriate.
11. Ability to educate staff in correct implementation of individual and group therapy programs as well as
Individualized Intervention programs as needed.
12. Ability to operate a computer and applicable software.
13. Ability to train and supervise the work of others.
 
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.  
Initial Selection Criteria:
1.Must be licensed as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
2. Experience in psychological 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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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 to be vaccinated according to their level of contact with patients. 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.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the posted minimum of the salary range.  
MOS Code:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 67D, 71F, 73B, 230X, MED10, 42PX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditors Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.  

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