Rehab Therapy Tech III

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.

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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (RTT) performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work. Provides assistance to therapists for an assigned therapeutic specialty, (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational /day programming). Provides direct contact instruction/training for patients on their treatment plans for the RTT’s assigned therapeutic specialty. Trains others to ensure continuity of treatment plans. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle may be required. Works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, Psychologist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor with moderate 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.

Directly implements treatment plans through “hands on” methods, monitors treatment goals and objectives through direct contact observation.

Assists in the development and evaluation of treatment plans for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).

Assists the assigned therapist or vocational/day programming supervisor in conducting functional skills assessments (e.g., preparing materials for assessments, reviewing prior assessments, conducting direct contact observations).

Schedules, assists with and/or provides staff training to Psychiatric Nurse Assistants (PNA’s) to ensure continuity and follow through of treatment plan objectives during hours when Therapists or RTTs are not available and depending on SH needs.

Monitors the implementation of the program objectives by the PNA’s, gathers data and report this to the interdisciplinary team as well as the therapist or supervisor overseeing their respective discipline.

Ensures the satisfactory completion of paperwork in program related areas in order to meet applicable standards and procedures.

Ensures the collection of data related to treatment plans in order to accurately assess the individual’s progress.

Participates in the interdisciplinary team process including providing information regarding the results of functional skills assessments and response to interventions as well as the results of monitoring and staff training efforts as mentioned above.

Provides feedback to the team about the individual’s progress, works with PNA’s to maintain a connection and assists with the development of treatment plans for the assigned discipline.

Maintains current skills in relation to assigned responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques (e.g., applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, etc.).

Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Ability to assist in development of treatment and support plans.

Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).

Ability to utilize personal computers and relevant software.

General knowledge, or ability to gain knowledge, of Joint Commission/Behavioral Health regulations and state hospital policies and procedures.

Ability to meet the same physical requirements as those for direct contact staff positions.

Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required or preferred. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Minimum eighteen months of work experience with people who have mental illness or developmental disabilities performing therapeutic work.

Experience in the areas of applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, and/ or vocational rehabilitation is preferred.

Experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

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 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