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Functional Title: Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)
Job Title: Behavior Analyst I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Psychology
Posting Number: 19855
Closing Date: 11/08/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $6,534.79- $8,304.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-23
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: 230X,4C0X1,68X,71F,73B

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 Behavior Analyst I (Board Certified Behavior Analyst I or BCBA I) performs advanced (senior level) behavior analysis work. The BCBA I provides assistance with behavior analysis services to patients with cognitive, developmental, psychiatric, and physical needs. The BCBA I provides consultation and technical assistance for staff in applied behavior analysis. The BCBA I participates in patient treatment, including participation in the treatment team processes and the development of comprehensive treatment plans and safety plans. The BCBA I reviews patient progress and response to behavioral therapy services and provides debriefings with staff and patients when restraints occur. The BCBA I designs, implements, and evaluates individual and group behavior therapy programs and unit milieu management structures. They may be assigned to a specific unit and provide services to other areas of the hospital. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 required 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.

As part of the treatment planning process, observes and assesses individual patients and designs positive interventions to address the behavioral challenges of patients with cognitive, developmental, psychiatric, and physical needs. Ongoing systematic monitoring and approval of functional behavioral assessments and behavior support plans are conducted through personal observation, staff interviews, and documentation review to ensure the patients continuing needs are met.

Consults with staff concerning positive and effective approaches to preventing and addressing challenging behaviors. Writes a behavioral support plan and communicates it to the direct care staff. Provides in-person training, updating the treatment team as necessary. Involves the person served as much as possible.

Evaluates individual and group behavioral therapy programs and unit milieu management structures to guide the treatment process for the psychiatric population. Designs supplemental therapeutic programs at the individual and group level.

Provides consultative services to treatment teams and unit staff on effective patient interaction, the application of behavioral interventions, the use of unit milieu structure, the use of patient centered safety plans, and treatment interventions that are alternatives to the use of seclusion or restraint. Reviews patient progress and response to behavioral therapy services and provides debriefings with staff and patients when restraints occur.

Attends and participates in the Behavioral Support Plan Peer Review Committee to ensure compliance with the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). Reviews the behavioral support plans and ensures the patients’ rights are being served and individual choices are being honored. Approves all hospital behavioral plans.

Actively participates in the hospitals quality management, patient safety, risk management, and infection control programs helping to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) conditions of participation, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and the rules and regulations of the Agency and state hospital system.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis.

Knowledge of behavior support plan development, implementation, and evaluation.

Knowledge of medications used to assist with behavior management.

Knowledge of systems used to track treatment effectiveness.

Knowledge of behavioral service delivery to people with mental disorders, and of the characteristics of developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and departmental and agency policy.

Skills in writing and developing complex technical reports and other documents.

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to conduct comprehensive functional behavior assessments.

Ability to develop behavior support plans.

Ability to evaluate behavioral and program data.

Ability to make clinical recommendations.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be certified as a Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Initial Screening Criteria:

Six (6) months of experience in psychology and behavior analyst work

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s or a higher-level degree in behavior analysis, special education, human services, psychology, or a related field

Two (2) or more years implementing behavioral services with adults with developmental disabilities, substance abuse and/or serious mental illness using a person-centered approach preferred.

Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish

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 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, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

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