Disaster Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Functional Title: Director of Psychology Job Title: Director of Psychology Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Psychology Posting Number: 16772 Closing Date: 09/14/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Healthcare Support Salary Range: $10,761.37- $14,356.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-29 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) 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: Terrell State Hospital Job Location City: TERRELL Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN Other Locations: Terrell MOS Codes: 230X,42PX,71F,73B
Brief Job Description:
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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, 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 your application for the position below.
The Psychologist IV (Director of Psychology) performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) psychological work under the direction of the State Hospital Medical Director. The Director of Psychology is responsible for providing consultation, training, and guidance to hospital administration, developing, implementing, and revising policies and procedures to ensure evaluations, treatment interventions, and clinical documentation are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and standards. The Director of Psychology also ensures coordination and integration of psychological and behavioral health services with other facility programs to support continuity of care, consistent procedures, and system-wide values, and provides recovery-focused care that emphasizes trauma-informed principles, patient engagement, and the reduction of restrictive interventions when clinically appropriate. 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 (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.
Provides consultation, training, and guidance to hospital administration, recovery teams, and interdisciplinary staff on the appropriate application of psychological evaluations, recovery-focused treatment planning, and safe discharge practices. Supports staff in applying evidence-based approaches to assessment, treatment, and documentation while promoting effective communication and coordination across clinical programs. Review documentation of treatment to determine compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, quality service, and regulations.
Designs, conducts, and coordinates psychological and behavioral health programs and activities in accordance with agency policies, professional standards, and best practices. Conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized, evidence-based instruments to assess mental health needs, suicide risk, and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use conditions, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop integrated treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Oversees psychological programs and services in collaboration with medical, nursing, social work, and administrative disciplines to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance across the facility. Develops, implements, and revises policies and procedures to ensure evaluations, treatment interventions, and clinical documentation are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and standards.
Provides professional supervision, consultation, and clinical leadership to psychology staff and other assigned personnel to ensure effective service delivery and staff development. Evaluates staff performance, identifies training needs, and provides coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to promote professional growth and maintain high standards of care.
Evaluates and reviews psychological and behavioral health services and develops improvement plans to address identified needs or deficiencies. Monitors program effectiveness, documentation, analyzes trends and outcomes, and recommends corrective actions or enhancements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with best practices.
Ensures coordination and integration of psychological and behavioral health services with other facility programs to support continuity of care, consistent procedures, and system-wide values. Actively participates in performance improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities, and collaborative planning efforts to strengthen service delivery and patient outcomes.
Provides recovery-focused care that emphasizes trauma-informed principles, patient engagement, and the reduction of restrictive interventions when clinically appropriate. Applies recovery and trauma-informed care principles in all interactions with patients, staff, and treatment teams, and supports peer support concepts and initiatives throughout the facility.
Participates in the selection, orientation, and onboarding of assigned staff to ensure appropriate screening, effective integration into the organization, and readiness to deliver high-quality services. Performs special projects or assignments as requested by leadership and maintains current knowledge of professional standards, emerging practices, and developments relevant to psychological and behavioral health services.
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, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
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.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must have and maintain a valid, current license as a Psychologist by the State of Texas or a reciprocity state.
Initial Screening Criteria:
At least three years of experience in administering psychological service in the inpatient psychiatric setting preferred.
At least three years of experience in the administration of standardized evaluations.
Minimum of 2 years' experience supervising psychological/behavioral and programming staff preferred.
Applied behavior analysis and behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation preferred.
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.
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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
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.