Mental Health Specialist VI

Overview

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey.

100% paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Functional

Title:

Mental Health Specialist VI

Job Title:

Mental Health Specialist VI
Agency:
Health & Human Services Comm
Department:
Adm Acute Care Psych  Psychology
Posting Number: 12408
Closing Date: 03/01/2026
Posting Audience:
Internal and External
Occupational Category:
Healthcare Support
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
Salary Range: $5,098.66-$8,304.83
Pay Frequency:
Monthly

Shift: Day
Telework:
Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:
Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
Full Time/Part Time:
Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt:
Exempt
Facility

Location:

Austin State Hospital

Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE

The Mental Health Specialist VI performs senior‑level highly complex psychological/therapeutic work. The MHS VI provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital, performs psychological activities—including individual, group, and/or family therapy—develops behavior plans, supervises other MHSs, and coordinates projects to improve workplace safety and patient care quality.

Attend work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule, including rotating shifts, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs psychological activities such as individual, group, and/or family therapy, conducts psychosocial assessments, and develops individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors. Coordinates continuing education opportunities for hospital staff, conducts individual and group sessions to aid patient recovery, and participates in quality assurance activities related to psychological service provision.

• Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines.
• Knowledge of treatment techniques and practices.
• Skills in interviewing patients.
• Skills in forensic assessment, including violence risk assessments and competency to stand trial.
• Ability to assist with conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Ability to conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy.
• Ability to develop plans for implementing and monitoring rehabilitation activities in skill acquisition and behavior management.
• Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

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 such as Board‑Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Doctorate preferred.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in psychological/therapeutic work.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks. Flexibility in work hours may be required; the position may require overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy is required.

HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E‑Verify.

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies.