Physician II (Part-Time) @ Rio Grande State Center

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.

The Physician II performs advanced (senior-level) clinical work. Work involves providing medical treatment to patients in the state hospital by obtaining a thorough medical history, comprehensive physical examinations, and assessing the impact of physiological, psychological, and/or behavioral factors to determine the cause(s) of the medical problem or injury. The Physician II develops treatment plans and/or administers specialized medical treatments and procedures; monitors medical trends and makes recommendations for improvements in the hospital; and provides treatment for minor injuries to state hospital employees who are injured in the course and scope of employment. Provides clinical supervision of other staff as needed. 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 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 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.

Ensures medical treatment is provided to state hospital patients by conducting physical examinations, diagnostic evaluations, and documenting the medical histories. Reviews test results in a timely manner and addresses abnormal test results. Refers to outside specialists when appropriate.       

Performs, and interprets diagnostic tests, and prescribes, recommends, and administers the course of treatment. Monitors the treatment and accurately documents the justification and course of treatment in the electronic medical record. Advises staff on patients with unusual or difficult medical problems.

Consults with the patient’s primary physician and other members of the multidisciplinary treatment/recovery team, ensuring that comprehensive health care is provided.       

Participates in the hospital quality assessment performance improvement program by serving on committees and developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating performance improvement plans and health policies. Develops clinical guidelines, health education, and other resources for patients and/or direct care staff. Provides clinical supervision of other staff as needed.

As issues are identified, participates in the development of corrective actions and monitors the effectiveness of those actions. Presents recommendations on hospital policies and new forms of treatment and the need for equipment and staff.       

Practices in a clear, precise manner that reflects esteem and respect for the patient and family members.       

Designs, facilitates, and manages medical services and participates in research protocols or serves on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for research as requested.       

Provides treatment for minor injuries to state hospital employees who are injured in the course and scope of employment as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

 

Knowledge of medical methods, procedures, and trends

Knowledge of the principles and practices in the development, implementation, and documentation of individualized care and treatment plans

Knowledge of the principles of disease management and risk analysis               

Skills in the care and treatment of patients

Skills in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software

Skills in developing, describing, and communicating medical plans.

Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution               

Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat physical or mental disorders.

Ability to interpret laboratory analyses and x-rays.

Ability to supervise the work of others.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to work in harmony with individuals, employees, peers, family members, and medical/non-medical professions in the community.

Ability to evaluate patients and implement an effective course of treatment in coordination with other interdisciplinary personnel.

 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a medical doctor by the State of Texas

Must have current registration certificates from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

 

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college of medicine with a degree as a medical doctor

Completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Experience in clinical or public health 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 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

Nearest Major Market: Brownsville