Behavioral Health Assistant

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.
The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Behavioral Health Assistant works within the Psychology Department performing routine psychological assistant work. Work involves assisting psychologists in the development of treatment strategies and the provision of therapy, completion of behavioral assessments and preference assessments, data collection and reporting, training direct care staff, assisting in the implementation of behavior programs, provision of special treatment sessions, substituting for psychologists at assigned meetings, and assisting in the administration of psychological and behavioral assessments. Works under moderate supervision with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. A flexible work schedule and overtime will be required.

Assists psychologists in the development of treatment strategies and the provision of therapy.

Completes behavioral assessments and preference assessments.

Assists direct care staff in implementing behavior programs and provides special treatment sessions, and performs Safe Use of Restraint (SUR) when necessary.

Trains direct care staff.

Contributes to individuals’ overall care plan by maintaining contact with both direct care and professional staff.
Collects, tabulates, and reports on behavioral and restraint data.
Substitutes for psychologists at assigned meetings.

Administers or assists in administering psychological and behavioral assessments.

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.

Behavioral principles and behavioral research methodology, behavioral assessments

Positive behavioral supports

Facility operations and policies, procedures, laws, rules, standards, and guidelines.

Ability to:
Implement psychological and behavioral treatment and therapy

Work with personal support teams and other committees

Train staff at all levels

Communicate effectively and provide accurate and complete oral and written reports

Use computers and relevant software

Assist or administer and score results of psychological and behavioral assessments

Become certified as a SUR instructor and provide such training.

Experience providing services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Experience training others. Experience training others and education may be substituted for one another.

Experience participating as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide input into team decisions to facilitate service delivery.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form – Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS