Psychologist

Position: Licensed Psychological Associate / Mental Health Specialist V

Client: North Texas State Hospital- Vernon

Location: Vernon, TX

Duration: 12-month contract (or CTH)

Job Description:

The Health Specialist V (Mental Health Specialist V) performs highly advanced psychological/therapeutic work under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist. The Mental Health Specialist V provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves recovery planning, counseling/therapy, reporting, developing behavior plans, and documentation. Requires the ability to work independently and with a high degree of accuracy. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. 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:

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.

Performs psychological activities under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred. In addition, may also meet with families of patients with other recovery team members to provide information and help with discharge planning.

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.

Interviews referred patients and recommended to the patient's recovery team the treatment(s) which will help the patient achieve stability, achieve his/her goals, and maintain recovery after discharge from the hospital.

Develops and/or conducts specialized psychoeducational groups to help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery.

Interviews patients and reviews records to help with diagnostic clarification recovery planning. This may occur in regular recovery team meetings and in difficult case conferences.

Develops individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, etc. Works with staff to successfully implement these plans. Monitors effectiveness and modifies plans as needed. As needed, conducts psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation under the supervision of a licensed Psychologist.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to psychological service provision and to treatment across the hospital. This may include completing chart audits, participating in tracer activities, and reporting on services he/she has provided.

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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Must be licensed as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a person eligible to pursue licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist as a Licensed Psychologist

OR a related specialty certification preferred such as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.

Experience in psychological/therapeutic work.