Job DescriptionHOW TO APPLYComplete 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), copy 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 a copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy 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: ...@tjjd.texas.gov.Apply via Email to ...@tjjd.texas.gov. Send completed application, supplemental questions/forms, and copies of high school/college diploma(s), copy 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 NOTEYour job application must be completely filled out and include all employment, do not limit employment to the past 10-15 years. Your application must contain complete job histories, which include job titles, name of employer, dates of employment (month & year), supervisor's name and phone number, and a description of duties performed, and whether it was full-time or part-time and hours per week. If any of this information is not provided, your application may be rejected as incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.Applicants must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check and any other requirements listed under Minimum Qualifications.BENEFITSState of Texas Benefits and Retirement Information can be found at Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.GENERAL DESCRIPTIONCareer Ladder Promotion Opportunity: This position is in the approved TJJD career ladder for Heath Specialists. Personnel in this career ladder have the working title of Mental Health Professional. Placement on the career ladder is dependent upon education, licensure, and experience. Mental Health Professionals may be promoted based on meeting the established eligibility criteria per agency policy until they reach the top level of the ladder. Progression to the highest pay level on the career ladder is dependent upon experience and performance.TJJD addresses the multiple and complex needs of the youth committed to the agency as well as their families through a trauma informed multi-disciplinary integrated approach that includes implementation of the agency approved Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections and a Mental Health Treatment Program (MHTP). The MHTP provides enhanced psychiatric and psychological assistance to youth diagnosed with moderate to severe mental health problems and/or illnesses, which allows the general rehabilitation case managers to focus on risk reduction and protective factor enhancement strategies in order to reduce the risk of reoffending. This collaboration allows for holistic and individualized treatment of youth in need of 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 sessions; and administers and interprets psychological evaluations of youth at risk of suicide or in need of specialized treatment services. Assists in monitoring the agency's Texas Model of Trauma Informed Corrections treatment program, and reviews and monitors specialized treatment programs. Assists with related in-service training for facility staff. Collaborates with facility administrators, specialized treatment, case management or program specialist staff, parole officers, and contracted staff, as well as halfway house staff. Participates in or leads evaluations of programs in high or medium restriction facilities, or contracted programs. Participates in Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) staffing for youth transitioning into the community and as they exit the agency system. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others.May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.
Levels of Work Performed by Career Ladder Level:Health Specialist V: Performs advanced (senior-level) work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Health Specialist VI: Performs highly advanced (senior-level) work under minimal supervision with consider latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Program Specialist/Health Specialist VII: Performs highly advanced (senior-level) work under minimal supervision with consider latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSConducts trauma informed psychological evaluations (including stage assessment), suicide risk assessments, and suicide monitoring.Develops behavior modification interventions and other clinical evaluations and incorporates specific recommendations regarding transition and re-entry planning and risk assessment.Participates in Administrative, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.Conducts individual, group, trauma, and crisis counseling sessions; and facilitates family reintegration services, as appropriate.Participates as a member of the multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) team; provides clinical consultation relating to assessment (risks), treatment (needs), intervention strategies, and behavioral modifications to members of the MDT team and other staff.Monitors youth receiving treatment by contracted service providers.Contributes to the development, maintenance, and delivery of in-service training for facility staff as it relates to the agency's rehabilitation and treatment programs.Documents direct services provided to youth and families.Engages in activities designed to enhance professional development and to maintain current licensure or certification.Coordinates and collaborates with program staff in program planning, development, implementation, analysis, and documentation of agency program(s).Provides advice and counsel by interpreting policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program.Assists in developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with program objectives and goals.May analyze the application of and variations within programs to develop action plans for improving or initiating new programs.Reports any presence or perception of racial, ethnic, and/or gender disparities.Performs a variety of related duties, not listed, determined and assigned, as needed, by the supervisor.Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures:
- Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.
- Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested timeframes.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.Monitors outcomes for racial, ethnic, and gender disparities and takes action to address identified disparities
Qualifications:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSRequirements for Health Specialist V: Master's degree with major course work in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field1-23 months of full-time wage-earning experience as a licensed mental health professional; andANDEligible for one of the following Texas licenses:- Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-A); - Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA);- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Associate (LMFT-A);- Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW); - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW);ANDProvide proof of temporary license or approved supervisory plan within 90 days of hireANDObtain the following applicable Texas license within three (3) years of date of hire:Employee hired based on: LPC-A must obtain LPC;Psychological Associate - training status must obtain LPA;LMFT-A must obtain LMFT;LMSW must obtain LCSW.
Requirements for Health Specialist VI: Master's degree with major course work in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field1-23 months of full-time wage-earning experience as a licensed mental health professional; andANDLicensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); - Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA);- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT);- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Requirements for Program Specialist VII/Health Specialist VII: Master's degree with major course work in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field;ANDTwo or Five (2 or 5) years of full-time wage-earning experience as a licensed mental health professional; andANDLicensed in the State of Texas as one of the following:- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); - Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA);- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT);- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Requirements Applicable to All Levels: Must be at least 23 years of age.Preferred:•Experience working with adolescent offenders in residential settings.•Experience providing treatment with youth and their families in the areas of alcohol and/or other drugs, sexual behavioral problems, and youth with mental health diagnoses.•Experience/expertise on transition planning/community re-entry.Note: Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be from an accredited educational institution.Pre-employment conditions require acceptable results from mandatory:
- pre-employment drug test;
- finger printing, criminal records check, and TB testing;
- Fitness-for-Duty Assessment which may include both physical and behavior evaluations.
Requirements for Continued Employment:•Obtain and maintain certification in the TJJD approved use of force techniques.•Obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.•Failure to obtain/maintain required licensure/certification will result in termination of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES•Knowledge of psychometrics and psychological principles including behavior modification.•Knowledge of diagnostic criteria outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM V), and the Texas Education Association for the evaluation of serious emotional disturbance.•Knowledge of psychology and related disciplines; and of psychological tests, measurements, and treatment techniques and practices.•Knowledge of Juvenile risk assessment, treatment practices and principles, family interventions, and regulatory standards and laws.
- Knowledge of or ability to acquire knowledge of TJJD and its program management processes and techniques.
•Skill in facilitating individual and group counseling sessions with juvenile offenders.•Skill in conducting family counseling and family reintegration sessions.•Skill in interviewing, evaluation and assessment, and in making appropriate decisions and recommendations regarding treatment options. •Skill in training and/or teaching others.•Skill in maintaining accurate records and files.•Skill and willingness to physically restrain youth in the appropriate manner, maintain order and discipline, and act quickly in emergencies.•Ability to organize and prioritize workloads to carry out assigned tasks in a timely manner.•Ability to maintain confidential information.•Ability to function as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.•Ability to provide services to youth in a correctional setting with a wide variety of temperaments (volatile, mentally, ill, suicidal) and specialized needs (chemically dependent, sexual offenders, emotionally disturbed, etc.).•Ability to work under stressful conditions, with possible occurrences of extreme heightened stress.•Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to direct the activities of youth.•Ability to apply the agency's doctrine to youth which includes the ability to treat youth with respect in all situations.•Ability to intervene and correct behavior and facilitate group discussions and activities.•Ability to recognize when decisions need to be made, process information logically, make decisions, and demonstrate the soundness of those decisions.•Ability to read, write, and operate a computer on a regular basis using applicable computer software.•Ability to participate in ongoing didactic training as scheduled by the agency.•Ability to work in excess of 40 hours per workweek, different shift patterns, be on-call, and travel occasionally.•Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts to devise solutions to problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONSThe following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered when performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Ability to perform tactile discernmentRestraining combative youthIdentify colorsDepth perceptionOperate motor equipmentHeavy lifting 45 lbs. & overHeavy carrying 45 lbs. & overRepeated bendingReaching above shoulderPushingPullingWalkingStandingSittingTwistingKneelingStoopingClimbing stairsClimbing laddersFinger/manual dexterityDual simultaneous grasp
VETERANSIn order to receive veteran's preference, a copy of your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), VA disability rating (if applicable), or a DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty) must be attached to your application.Go to or for assistance translating your military experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.Additional Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Code or Crosswalk information is available from the Texas State Auditor's Office at Criminal Justice MOS Codes.
SPONSORSHIP Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIf you are scheduled for an interview and require any reasonable accommodation in our interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls you to schedule your interview. Whenever possible, please give the hiring representative sufficient time to consider and respond to your request.Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center ( you may also check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.
Thank you for considering employment with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe 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.