Texas Health and Human Services
Staff Psychiatrist – Texas Health and Human Services
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Staff Psychiatrist
role at
Texas Health and Human Services .
Location KERRVILLE, TX – Kerrville State Hospital, 721 THOMPSON DR
Agency 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. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-34
Salary Range: $20,971.00 – $23,120.50 per month
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day (First)
Telework: Not Eligible
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Exempt
Job Summary The Psychiatrist performs highly advanced psychiatric assessment work and reports directly to the State Hospital Medical Director. Work involves conducting psychiatric activities, monitoring trends, diagnosing, and treating State Hospital patients; administering quality and appropriate specialized psychiatric treatments, assessments, and procedures as needed; reviewing and analyzing system data to ensure recovery plans are individualized and decisions are made in conjunction with the Recovery Team; ensuring recovery plans are implemented as designed by providing consultation or training to direct care staff; attending weekly/monthly meetings and leading or chairing discussions to inform and create buy‑in for necessary changes; participating in committees of the State Hospital Governing Body and performance improvement activities; directing any other clinically related committee requested by the State Hospital Medical Director or Central Administration; planning, assigning, and guiding the work of others in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care; supervising others as required by State Hospital structure; performing other duties relative to the position; and working under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.
Responsibilities
Perform psychiatric assessments of individuals and administer psychiatric treatments and medications within State Hospital policies and procedures.
Conduct performance improvement reviews with recovery team members per standards of The Joint Commission, CMS, TAC, and State Hospital System policies.
Attend and participate in meetings and committees as requested, including medication reviews and audits.
Establish physician‑patient relationships by direct face‑to‑face contact or telemedicine; treat each individual with effective medication and dosage.
Develop and implement psychiatric recovery plans, documenting supports and interventions customized to each individual’s needs and preferences.
Read and analyze medical records, lead discussions in staff meetings, participate in conference calls concerning clinical psychiatric issues, and interact with family members, guardians, and LARs as requested.
Ensure collaboration between psychiatry and neurology for dually diagnosed individuals; provide neurologist with necessary information.
Consult with other psychiatrists, medical staff, psychologists, and others to collaboratively develop interventions and participate in restraint reduction efforts.
Manage acute psychiatric care, including authorizing emergency restraints and writing orders for emergency medication.
Review and monitor system data and trends related to the quality of psychiatric care; address issues identified through monitoring and present changes to the recovery plan.
Maintain open communication with the Medical Director, Superintendent, and other staff to ensure continuity of services.
Participate in medical staff committees and sub‑committees such as Utilization Management, Infection Control, and Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Participate in mandatory training per HHSC policies and procedures, HIPAA, state and federal regulations, and commissioning standards.
Develop, implement, organize, and provide leadership in the area of psychiatric services following HHSC policies and procedures and state and federal regulations.
Manage other staff by providing feedback, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action when needed, depending on hospital structure.
Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
Essential Job Functions Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, rotating shift, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to complete psychiatric assessments, administer treatments, and medications. Conducts required performance improvement reviews and attends additional meetings and committees as requested. Performs medication reviews and audits in accordance with policy. Plans, assigns, and guides the work of others in a multidisciplinary approach per standards. Establishes physician‑patient relationships by direct contact or telemedicine and treats each individual with effective medication and dosage. Reviews lab work, modifies recovery plans, and records deliberations accurately. Develops and implements psychiatric recovery plans that are person‑centered and least‑restrictive. Reads and analyzes medical records, leads discussions, and interacts with family and LARs. Ensures collaboration with neurology, consults with other health professionals, manages acute care, reviews system data and trends, maintains communication with leadership, participates in committees, and follows HHSC and regulatory standards. Manages staff, leads training, and performs other duties including disaster response. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for maximum‑security locations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of general medicine and general psychiatry.
Knowledge of principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of person‑centered individualized care and recovery plans.
Knowledge of the principles of psychiatric treatment and ability to work collaboratively with staff.
Knowledge of the state formulary guidelines for maximum doses, and if exceeded, provides detailed documentation of exception, ensuring efficacy, safety, and tolerance.
Knowledge and skills in providing services to people with psychiatric disorders in an inpatient hospital setting.
Knowledge and skills in effectively using an electronic healthcare system and Microsoft Office products.
Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
Skills in the use of medical and psychiatric diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.
Skills in conducting psychiatric research when necessary.
Ability to assess, diagnose, and prescribe/supervise treatment to assigned patients while conforming to local policy, Texas Administrative Code, and applicable laws to decrease psychiatric symptoms/disorders.
Ability to direct psychiatric activities.
Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat mental disorders.
Ability to interpret psychological diagnoses and analyses.
Ability to develop policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of psychiatric histories and medical records.
Ability to solve medically difficult issues by considering opinions of consultants and/or appropriate literature, including accepted guidelines.
Ability to work with the recovery team by facilitating a unified, effective team approach using the expertise of all team members and involving patients to assure high‑quality patient care.
Ability to participate with other psychiatric staff to provide continuous quality improvement and to promote quality care by adhering to the plan of improvement and state initiatives.
Ability to manage “polypharmacy” and to justify and document when multiple psychotropic medications are necessary.
Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to work independently using good judgment and advanced time‑management skills.
Ability to participate in annual training as well as any other required specific training to assure up‑to‑date skills and knowledge (e.g., CPR, safe use of restraints).
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications Applicant must have or be able to obtain an unrestricted Texas medical license and be board certified or board eligible (completed residency in Psychiatry) prior to start date.
Initial Screening Criteria
Applicants must be a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).
At least three years’ experience working as a psychiatrist is preferred.
At least twelve (12) months experience working with people with psychiatric disorders is 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).
Male applicants 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. Overtime and/or extended hours may be expected.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
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 are not limited to, those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk, and Military Crosswalk Guide at the Texas State Auditor's Office.
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 online 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 that all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market San Antonio
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Staff Psychiatrist
role at
Texas Health and Human Services .
Location KERRVILLE, TX – Kerrville State Hospital, 721 THOMPSON DR
Agency 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. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-34
Salary Range: $20,971.00 – $23,120.50 per month
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day (First)
Telework: Not Eligible
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non‑Exempt: Exempt
Job Summary The Psychiatrist performs highly advanced psychiatric assessment work and reports directly to the State Hospital Medical Director. Work involves conducting psychiatric activities, monitoring trends, diagnosing, and treating State Hospital patients; administering quality and appropriate specialized psychiatric treatments, assessments, and procedures as needed; reviewing and analyzing system data to ensure recovery plans are individualized and decisions are made in conjunction with the Recovery Team; ensuring recovery plans are implemented as designed by providing consultation or training to direct care staff; attending weekly/monthly meetings and leading or chairing discussions to inform and create buy‑in for necessary changes; participating in committees of the State Hospital Governing Body and performance improvement activities; directing any other clinically related committee requested by the State Hospital Medical Director or Central Administration; planning, assigning, and guiding the work of others in the multidisciplinary approach to patient care; supervising others as required by State Hospital structure; performing other duties relative to the position; and working under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.
Responsibilities
Perform psychiatric assessments of individuals and administer psychiatric treatments and medications within State Hospital policies and procedures.
Conduct performance improvement reviews with recovery team members per standards of The Joint Commission, CMS, TAC, and State Hospital System policies.
Attend and participate in meetings and committees as requested, including medication reviews and audits.
Establish physician‑patient relationships by direct face‑to‑face contact or telemedicine; treat each individual with effective medication and dosage.
Develop and implement psychiatric recovery plans, documenting supports and interventions customized to each individual’s needs and preferences.
Read and analyze medical records, lead discussions in staff meetings, participate in conference calls concerning clinical psychiatric issues, and interact with family members, guardians, and LARs as requested.
Ensure collaboration between psychiatry and neurology for dually diagnosed individuals; provide neurologist with necessary information.
Consult with other psychiatrists, medical staff, psychologists, and others to collaboratively develop interventions and participate in restraint reduction efforts.
Manage acute psychiatric care, including authorizing emergency restraints and writing orders for emergency medication.
Review and monitor system data and trends related to the quality of psychiatric care; address issues identified through monitoring and present changes to the recovery plan.
Maintain open communication with the Medical Director, Superintendent, and other staff to ensure continuity of services.
Participate in medical staff committees and sub‑committees such as Utilization Management, Infection Control, and Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Participate in mandatory training per HHSC policies and procedures, HIPAA, state and federal regulations, and commissioning standards.
Develop, implement, organize, and provide leadership in the area of psychiatric services following HHSC policies and procedures and state and federal regulations.
Manage other staff by providing feedback, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action when needed, depending on hospital structure.
Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
Essential Job Functions Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, rotating shift, extended shift, and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy. Utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to complete psychiatric assessments, administer treatments, and medications. Conducts required performance improvement reviews and attends additional meetings and committees as requested. Performs medication reviews and audits in accordance with policy. Plans, assigns, and guides the work of others in a multidisciplinary approach per standards. Establishes physician‑patient relationships by direct contact or telemedicine and treats each individual with effective medication and dosage. Reviews lab work, modifies recovery plans, and records deliberations accurately. Develops and implements psychiatric recovery plans that are person‑centered and least‑restrictive. Reads and analyzes medical records, leads discussions, and interacts with family and LARs. Ensures collaboration with neurology, consults with other health professionals, manages acute care, reviews system data and trends, maintains communication with leadership, participates in committees, and follows HHSC and regulatory standards. Manages staff, leads training, and performs other duties including disaster response. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for maximum‑security locations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of methods and procedures in the field of general medicine and general psychiatry.
Knowledge of principles of the development, implementation, and documentation of person‑centered individualized care and recovery plans.
Knowledge of the principles of psychiatric treatment and ability to work collaboratively with staff.
Knowledge of the state formulary guidelines for maximum doses, and if exceeded, provides detailed documentation of exception, ensuring efficacy, safety, and tolerance.
Knowledge and skills in providing services to people with psychiatric disorders in an inpatient hospital setting.
Knowledge and skills in effectively using an electronic healthcare system and Microsoft Office products.
Skills in the care and treatment of patients.
Skills in the use of medical and psychiatric diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment.
Skills in conducting psychiatric research when necessary.
Ability to assess, diagnose, and prescribe/supervise treatment to assigned patients while conforming to local policy, Texas Administrative Code, and applicable laws to decrease psychiatric symptoms/disorders.
Ability to direct psychiatric activities.
Ability to examine, diagnose, and treat mental disorders.
Ability to interpret psychological diagnoses and analyses.
Ability to develop policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare and supervise the preparation of psychiatric histories and medical records.
Ability to solve medically difficult issues by considering opinions of consultants and/or appropriate literature, including accepted guidelines.
Ability to work with the recovery team by facilitating a unified, effective team approach using the expertise of all team members and involving patients to assure high‑quality patient care.
Ability to participate with other psychiatric staff to provide continuous quality improvement and to promote quality care by adhering to the plan of improvement and state initiatives.
Ability to manage “polypharmacy” and to justify and document when multiple psychotropic medications are necessary.
Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to work independently using good judgment and advanced time‑management skills.
Ability to participate in annual training as well as any other required specific training to assure up‑to‑date skills and knowledge (e.g., CPR, safe use of restraints).
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications Applicant must have or be able to obtain an unrestricted Texas medical license and be board certified or board eligible (completed residency in Psychiatry) prior to start date.
Initial Screening Criteria
Applicants must be a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).
At least three years’ experience working as a psychiatrist is preferred.
At least twelve (12) months experience working with people with psychiatric disorders is 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).
Male applicants 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. Overtime and/or extended hours may be expected.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required.
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 are not limited to, those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk, and Military Crosswalk Guide at the Texas State Auditor's Office.
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 online 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 that all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market San Antonio
#J-18808-Ljbffr