Mental Health Specialist III

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. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional

Title:

Mental Health Specialist III
Job Title: Mental Health Specialist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Max Sec Psych  Psychology
Posting Number: 12497
Closing Date: 01/21/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19
Salary Range: $5,370.75 - $6,335.66
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital
Job Location City: VERNON
Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR
Other Locations: (none)
MOS Codes: 230X,43HX,4C0X1,4E0X1,71F,73A,73B,HM,HN,HS,MED,SEI
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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 teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They 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 you to apply for this position.

The Mental Health Specialist III performs senior-level highly complex psychological/therapeutic work. The MHS III provides consultation regarding behavioral interventions for patients across the hospital. Work involves performing psychological activities, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred from assigned unit and/or from other units, conducting individual and group sessions that help patients gain knowledge and develop skills to aid in their recovery or efforts to regain competency, and developing individual behavior plans to address problematic behaviors such as aggression, self-harm, intrusiveness, etc.

This position evaluates and coordinates projects and program alterations to examine evidence-based practices to reduce workplace violence and increase the overall quality patient care in the hospital. 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.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

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, including individual, group, and/or family therapy with patients referred from home unit and/or from other units. In addition, meets with families of patients with other treatment team members to provide information and help…