Psychologist III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

23h • Onsite

About The Position

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 your application for the position below.

The Psychologist III acts as the Director of Psychology at Austin State Hospital and reports directly to the Assistant Clinical Director. The Director of Psychology performs highly advanced, specialized, and managerial psychological work and is required to complete complex tasks and make varied decisions with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  This position directly supervises all psychology department staff members in collaboration with local service area program directors. Supervision includes but is not limited to forensic evaluators, staff psychologists, mental health specialists, and administrative assistants.  The Director of Psychology oversees the provision of psychology services campus-wide, including psychological assessment, neuropsychology services, individual and group therapy, individualized behavior programs, development of Person-Centered Recovery Plans, and treatment team functions. The Director of Psychology also oversees the forensic competency restoration and evaluation program in collaboration with other relevant disciplines. The Director of Psychology oversees the training of psychology department-related trainees and provides clinical and forensic psychological services as needed. The Director of Psychology acts as a member of the hospital Leadership Team, represents the psychology department in assigned hospital and statewide committees, and establishes standards for all psychology services at Austin State Hospital which includes the development and ongoing monitoring or performance improvement initiatives. This position requires advanced time management, organization, and communication skills. 

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.

Requirements

• Doctoral level psychology education and training (PhD or PsyD) with current, active, unencumbered license as a psychologist in the state of Texas.
• Must possess and maintain expert qualifications to complete forensic evaluations as defined in Article 46B.022 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.
• Knowledge regarding applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.
• Knowledge of psychological assessments and evaluations, including forensic competency evaluations and violence risk assessments.
• Knowledge of psychology and its role in interdisciplinary care delivery in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• Ability to train and supervise others including psychology and administrative staff.
• Advanced time management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to modify existing practices consistent with evolving guidelines, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to provide clinical psychology services and consultations.
• Ability to oversee the training of students, fellows, residents and other psychology-related trainees.
• Ability to develop and oversee performance improvement projects and programs.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to give, receive, and incorporate feedback in a professional manner.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software including Microsoft Suite and multifunction copier machines.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervises all psychology department staff in collaboration with service area program directors.
• Oversees provision of all psychology services across the facility.
• Oversees forensic programs in collaboration with other relevant disciplines including but not limited to competency restoration, trial competency evaluation, and evaluation and treatment of individuals acquitted as not guilty by reason of insanity.
• Provides clinical and forensic psychological services as needed, including but not limited to psychological assessments and evaluations, suicide risk assessments, COPSD assessments, forensic trial competency examinations, violence risk assessments, individual, group, or family psychotherapy, and debriefings after episodes of restraint or seclusion.
• Establishes standards for all psychology services at Austin State Hospital.
• Acts a member of the hospital’s Leadership Team.
• Oversees the training of psychology department-related trainees
• 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.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree