Educational Specialist - Texas Behavioral Health Center

Job Description – Educational Specialist – Texas Behavioral Health Center (948123) Join our team and help launch the first state psychiatric hospital in Dallas‑Fort Worth, where innovative caregivers will make a lasting impact on behavioral health in Texas. The Texas Behavioral Health Center is a newly completed state‑funded psychiatric hospital opening in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District that is owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center. When fully operational, the 505,000‑square‑foot facility will house 292 beds – 200 for adult patients and 92 for children and adolescents. As DFW’s first state‑funded behavioral health hospital, it is designed to deliver state‑of‑the‑art, patient‑centered care in a modern and healing environment. The center provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment and features private patient rooms, abundant access to natural light and nature, and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote recovery. The hospital will also provide training to all behavioral health disciplines. As employees of UT Southwestern, team members will join a world‑class academic medical center committed to patient‑centered care, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing patients for successful reintegration into their families and communities. With competitive benefits and a mission‑driven culture, Texas Behavioral Health Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on mental health care in North Texas.

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas‑Fort Worth, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world‑renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas‑Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on‑site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more.

JOB SUMMARY

The Education Specialist consults with families, school districts and UT Southwestern staff to determine the patient’s school needs (cognitive, social/emotional and behavioral) and creates a school plan for hospitalization and school reintegration, as well as acting as a resource to the community and staff. The Educational Specialist applies advanced problem‑solving skills in the educational planning of students with complex medical and behavioral needs, while adhering to the regulations of all applicable state and federal laws and the Joint Commission.

BENEFITS

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full‑time employee‑only coverage Paid Time Off, available day one Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Paid Parental Leave Benefit Wellness programs Tuition Reimbursement Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer Experience Requirements 4‑5 years of related experience, with at least 3 years working in the special education setting Licenses and Certifications State of Texas Board of Educators Teaching Certification in Special Education Preferred Qualifications Graduate or professional work or advanced degree; or equivalent experience

JOB DUTIES

Maintain patient transition plans and care plans for all inpatient and day treatment psychiatry patients Create transition plans for patients in grades K‑12 Organize and manage patient caseload to provide timely information to the patient’s school and medical teams Implement and support patient’s treatment/medical goals in the community school setting Coordinate enrollment in Dallas hospital school program when appropriate Determine and recommend appropriate academic and behavioral accommodations in the school setting Coordinate school transitions with the family, medical team and community school Interpret individualized education plans (IEP) or 504 plans and interpret complex educational and medical testing, such as neuropsychological evaluations Have in‑depth knowledge of special education law, the Annual Review and Dismissal (ARD) process, Section 504 and its implementation in the school setting Know and apply educational resources in the psychiatric classroom setting and make recommendations on using these resources in the patient’s community school

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security – This position is security‑sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. EEO – UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center