Psychologist | Child/Adolescent | Opportunity in Waco, TX

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. The HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals 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 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 and 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 schedule varies upon request or as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. 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.  

• 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.
• Provides professional supervision and consultation to psychology staff and others, as needed, to ensure effective staff performance and resident support. (20%)
• Evaluates psychological and behavioral services for children and adolescents, 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 and behavioral services of children and adolescents 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 children and adolescent 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 Medical Director. (5%)
•  Maintains current knowledge in relevant professional areas. (5%)
• 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.  

• 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.  

You’ve decided to make caring your career. Come to the place where you can do that and make a real difference in the lives of Texans with mental health needs.

HHSC’s Health and Specialty Care System has nine state psychiatric hospitals (with more expansion planned) and a residential unit dedicated to adolescents. The State Supported Living Centers have 13 long-term care campuses across the state.  These centers are home to many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join us and you’ll have the opportunity to work in partnership with academic institutions, community providers, and partners within our agency as we increase work efficiency and provide patient-centered care to more than 12,000 people a year. You can also help us incorporate cutting edge technology into treatment plans.

If you want to be on the forefront of revolutionizing forensic and community psychiatric care or ensure and oversee the delivery of high quality, integrated medical services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System is looking for bright people with new ideas to help us. With a growing demand for our services and a State Legislature that’s investing in the entire mental health continuum of care, Texas is positioned to be a leader and put itself in on the cutting edge of mental health for the 21st Century. Come be a part of it.