Staff Physician-State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

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, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Staff Physician-State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)
Job Title: Physician III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MedClinic/Prof Medical Svs M
Posting Number: 19611
Closing Date: 11/04/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $17,000.00- $25,432.58
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-35
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location: Rio Grande State Center
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 210X,42EX,42FX,42NX,44AX,44BX,44DX,44EX,44FX,44GX,44HX,44JX,44KX,44MX,44NX,44OX,44RX,44SX,44TX,44UX
44YX,44ZX,45AX,45BX,45EX,45GX,45NX,45PX,45SX,45UX,48AX,48GX,48OX,48RX,48VX,60A,60B,60C,60D,60H,60J
60K,60L,60N,60P,60S,60T,60V,61E,61F,61G,61H,61J,61K,61L,61M,61N,61P,61Q,61R,61U,61W,61Z,62A,62B,62Z
67F,67G,SEI12

Brief Job Description:

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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 Physician III performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) medical, clinical, or public health work. The Physician III works under the general clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director or designee. Work involves directing medical and infection control activities, monitoring trends and making recommendations for improvement. Responsible for the delivery of high quality general medical evaluation and treatment to patients with psychiatric disorders. Provides supervision to physicians and nurse practitioners in the medical clinic. Acts as a resource for infection control and consultant to general medical physicians. Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital.

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.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Leads and supervises Physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the general medical clinic. Provides appropriate consultation and collaboration with APRNs in order to establish the Prescriptive Authority Agreement and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners requirement for APRN practice within the state of Texas.

Requests input from colleagues, when indicated, and demonstrates a cooperative and supportive manner in working with the supervisor, peers, and support staff to facilitate work and information flow.

Performs comprehensive physical assessments and medical history in order to arrive at the most appropriate multi-axial diagnostic impressions and formulations. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies as necessary. Monitors the patient’s response to treatment on a continuous basis. Documents all patient encounters related to assessment, rationale for treatment interventions and other related issues in order to outline the course of hospitalization. Frequency of documentation is appropriate to the level of care the individual requires.

Monitors patient’s response to treatment on an on-going basis. Reviews diagnostic studies, conducts clinical assessments of abnormal results, and follows up or refers patients as appropriate. Documentation is provided, as appropriate, to the level of care the patient requires. Treatment is consistent with standards of care stablished by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and state hospital policies and procedures.

Oversees the implementation of the hospital infection control plan as required by TJC, this includes monitoring the status of infectious diseases of employees and patients, as well as prevention. Data of immunizations of staff and patients as well as incidents of diseases are monitored and plans for improvement are developed in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Acts as a resource for infection control and consultant to general medical physicians.

Actively participates in audits and other performance improvement activities. Provides appropriate input to ensure standards of care are met and acceptable level of patient care is maintained. Assists in developing Plans of Correction for deficiencies identified.

Demonstrates respect, compassion, consideration, and responsiveness by practicing in a manner that reflects respect for the patient and family members and is attentive to the needs of other co-workers and their ability to work towards a common goal for the patient.

Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Provides initial clinical assessment and basic non-invasive care and stabilization for emergency and non-emergency occupational injuries within the scope of discipline licensure. Provides support to visitors and employees, when indicated, while waiting for transfer to outside facility for assessment and treatment.

Establishes and maintains professional competencies through participation in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs or activities in order to provide the best level of care to patients as well as maintain state licensure. Provides CME certificates, current licensure and other required documentation for Medical Staff credentialing file.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of APRN scope of practice and understanding of collaborative agreement for APRNs and Physicians

Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and treatment appropriate to the age-related needs of patients served.

Knowledge of the principles of public health practices

Knowledge of disease management and risk analysis

Skills in the care and treatment of patients, and in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software

Skills in developing, describing, and communicating medical or public health plans and procedures.

Skills in project management, prioritization, and program evaluation

Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution

Skills in process facilitation techniques, team building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning

Ability to examine, diagnose and treat physical disorders.

Ability to interpret laboratory analyses and X-Rays.

Ability to direct medical activities.

Ability to evaluate the age-specific needs of patients and implement an effective course of treatment in coordination with other disciplines.

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from all backgrounds and income levels.

Ability to foster partnerships and agreements with individuals and entities on a national, state, and local level

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as a Doctor by the State of Texas Medical Board. Must have current registration certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Must possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI#) as defined by Medicare Part B and enroll as a Medicaid and Medicare Part B provider.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college of medicine with a degree as a medical doctor.

Completion of a residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Three years of experience in clinical or public health work.

Two years of experience working in a psychiatric hospital setting.

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).

Males 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 and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

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

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

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 not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

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 on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. 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, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.