TJJD - Health Specialist V-VI-VII - MHP - (GID)

HOW TO APPLY

Complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and the following additional forms (available at TJJD Employment Application Supplement (HR-003); Child Abuse Registry Check Consent Form (HR-028); Disclosure of PREA Employment Standards Violation (HR-975); Authorization to Release Information (HR-074).

Failure to complete and submit the above forms will cause delays in your consideration for this position.

Apply Online at and attach to the application the above additional forms along with copies of high school/college diploma(s), copies of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).

Apply through Work-In-Texas at You will also need to complete and attach to the application the supplemental questions/forms indicated above along with copies of high school/college diploma(s), copies of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214). The additional forms are available at: and can be submitted via email to: .

Apply via Email to . Send completed application, supplemental questions/forms, and copies of high school/college diploma(s), copies of official college transcripts, any licenses/certifications, and, if a military veteran, any Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214).

PLEASE NOTE

Your job application must be completely filled out and include all employment history, not limited to the past 10-15 years. Include complete job histories with job titles, employer, dates of employment (month/year), supervisors name and phone number, a description of duties, whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. Resumes do not replace this information.

Applicants must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check and any other requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications.

Benefits

State of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at Benefits include: retirement plan, paid health and life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, and employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: dental, vision, optional life insurance, voluntary AD&D insurance, dependent health & life insurance, and health & dependent care flexible spending accounts. Some positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.

General Description

Career Ladder Promotion Opportunity: This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Health Specialists. Personnel in this career ladder have the working title of Mental Health Professional. Placement on the career ladder depends on education, licensure, and experience. Progression to the highest pay level depends on experience and performance.

TJJD addresses the needs of youth and families through a trauma-informed multi-disciplinary approach, including the Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections and a Mental Health Treatment Program (MHTP). The MHTP provides enhanced psychiatric and psychological assistance to youth with moderate to severe mental health problems or illnesses, allowing case managers to focus on risk reduction and protective factor enhancement to reduce reoffending. This collaboration enables holistic, individualized treatment of youth needing MHTP services.

Provides a range of direct psychological services to youth adjudicated delinquent of felony offenses and committed to the agency by a juvenile court. Conducts trauma-informed groups, individual, family, trauma, and crisis counseling; administers and interprets psychological evaluations for youth at risk of suicide or in need of specialized treatment; monitors the agencys MHTP treatment program; reviews and monitors specialized treatment programs; assists with in-service training for staff; collaborates with facility administrators, treatment staff, parole officers, and contracted staff; participates in MDT staffing, and may train, lead, or supervise others.

May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.

Levels of Work Performed by Career Ladder

Health Specialist V: Advanced work with considerable latitude for initiative under supervision.

Health Specialist VI: Highly advanced work under minimal supervision with greater latitude for initiative.

Program Specialist/Health Specialist VII: Highly advanced work under minimal supervision with greater latitude for initiative.

Essential Functions

Conduct trauma-informed psychological evaluations, suicide risk assessments, and suicide monitoring.

Develop behavior modification interventions and risk assessment planning.

Participate in Administrative, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.

Conduct individual, group, trauma, and crisis counseling; facilitate family reintegration services as appropriate.

Collaborate with MDT and other staff on assessment, treatment needs, and intervention strategies.

Monitor treatment of youth by contracted providers.

Contribute to in-service training for facility staff related to rehabilitation and treatment programs.

Document direct services provided to youth and families.

Maintain licensure or certification and engage in professional development.

Coordinate with program staff on planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of programs.

Provide policy interpretation and assist in developing program standards and manuals.

Analyze program variations and propose improvements.

Report any presence or perception of racial, ethnic, or gender disparities.

Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Adhere to safety policies and report hazards; complete required accident documentation.

Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.

Monitor outcomes related to disparities and take corrective action as needed.

Required Qualifications

Health Specialist V: Masters degree with major coursework in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field; 1-23 months of full-time experience as a licensed mental health professional; eligible for one of Texas licenses (LPC-A, LPA, LMFT-A, LMSW, or LCSW); provide proof of temporary license or supervision plan within 90 days of hire; obtain applicable Texas license within 3 years of hire (LPC-A obtain LPC, etc.).

Health Specialist VI: Masters degree with major coursework in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field; 1-23 months of full-time experience; licensed in Texas as one of LPC, LPA, LMFT, or LCSW.

Program Specialist VII / Health Specialist VII: Masters degree with major coursework in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work; 2 or 5 years of full-time experience as licensed mental health professional; licensed in Texas as one of LPC, LPA, LMFT, or LCSW.

Common requirements for all levels: Must be at least 23 years old; preferred: experience with adolescent offenders in residential settings and transition planning.

Note: Any degree or coursework must be from an accredited institution.

Pre-employment conditions require acceptable results from mandatory pre-employment drug test, fingerprinting, criminal records check, TB testing, and Fitness-for-Duty Assessment.

Continued employment requires: certification in TJJD use of force techniques and First Aid/CPR; failure to maintain licensure/certification will result in termination.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of psychometrics, DSM-5 criteria, and relevant educational standards for evaluating emotional disturbance.

Knowledge of psychology, assessment methods, and treatment techniques; knowledge of juvenile risk assessment and related laws.

Ability to facilitate individual and group counseling and family reintegration; interview, evaluate, assess, and make treatment recommendations.

Ability to train others and maintain accurate records; ability to restrain youth when necessary and respond to emergencies.

Ability to organize, protect confidentiality, work in a multidisciplinary team, and work under stress.

Ability to communicate clearly, interpret agency policies, and participate in ongoing training; ability to work overtime and travel as needed.

Ability to analyze data to improve programs.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Ability to perform tactile discernment; restrain combative youth; identify colors; depth perception; operate motor equipment; heavy lifting and carrying; repetitive bending; reach above shoulder; push/pull; walk, stand, sit; twist; kneel; stoop; climb stairs/ladders; fine/dexterous movement; dual-hand coordination.

Veterans

To receive veterans preference, attach DD Form 214 or VA disability rating with your application. Translate military experience at or etc. Additional MOS information available from the Texas State Auditors Office at MOS Codes.

Sponsorship

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Additional Information

If you require reasonable accommodation for an interview, inform the hiring representative. Only selected candidates will be contacted. We do not accept telephone calls. If you applied via CAPPS Career Center, you may check status in your profile.

EEO Notice

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Texas Juvenile Justice Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. #J-18808-Ljbffr