Staff Physician - State Hospital - MSU
Listed compensation
$204k-$305k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
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 - MSU
- Job Title: Physician III Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
- Department: MedClinic/Prof Medical Svs M Posting Number: 23255 Closing Date: 02/08/2027 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational
- Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
- Salary Range: $17,000.00 - $25,432.58 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary 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.
Physician III performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior level) medical, clinical, or public health work. 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 patterns 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 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 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 established by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and state hospital policies and procedures.
Overseeing 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 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 people 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
Key Responsibilities
The Staff Physician provides high-quality medical evaluation and treatment to patients with psychiatric disorders while overseeing infection control activities. They also supervise medical staff, including physicians and nurse practitioners, and provide clinical support for occupational injuries.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a medical degree from an accredited college, have completed an accredited residency, and possess a current Texas medical license and DEA registration. A minimum of three years of clinical or public health experience and two years of psychiatric hospital experience are required.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Certifications
Key Skills
Psychiatry — Physician Career Context
In Texas, the Psychiatry weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$364k (13 salary observations; 41 listings), vs ~$331k nationally (297 salary observations; 746 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2025-11-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for Texas is 97.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$255k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $262k in an average-cost state. 57.7% of Texas clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Work-life score | 5.1 / 10 · above average in physician roles | ranked against 22,329 Physician roles listingslisting-based score, 0–10 |
| Listed pay | $204k–$305k | Psychiatry median $324k (middle half $275k–$365k)93 comparable listings, Nov 2026 |
| Texas vs national | $364k median in Texas | $331k nationally (+10%)13 state / 297 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$262k in purchasing power | Texas index 97.1 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Psychiatry listings in Texas | 186 active | 1,894 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Work setting | on-site | peers: 58% remote · 66% no call · 74% no weekends50 benchmarked listings |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | Texas physician listings (all specialties): 21% state a sign-on bonus (median $75k) · 6% offer loan repayment1,000 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| Psychiatry hiring demand | #27 of 28 specialties | postings stay open a median 34 days · 28% state a sign-on bonusWeekdayDoc Hiring Index, October 2026 · 728 postings, 654 closed |
| New Psychiatry listings | 1,308 in the last 30 days | 915 the 30 days before (+43%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Psychiatry pay trend | −9.2% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
Location & Logistics
Texas has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states. At the posted ~$255k midpoint, that is roughly $10k–$18k a year versus a typical 4–7% state rate.
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