RTT IV

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Job Description: 

The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (RTT IV) Works directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a team environment where staff clinicians collaborate to provide comprehensive care and services. RTT’s work in a variety of setting including activity centers, recreation programs, and vocational/day programming centers, based on the needs of the State Supported Living Center (SSLC). To learn more about the SSLCs, see https://hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/intellectual-or-developmental-disabilities-idd-long-term-care. The most important characteristic about SSLC employees is that we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees, including competitive salaries, career advancement, health and dental insurance, and paid vacation and sick leave.

The RTT IV may oversee therapeutic programs administered by RTTs and other assigned staff. Ensures qualified staff are hired, trained, mentored and evaluated in performing their duties for an assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, adaptive living skills, functional life skills, pre-vocational skills, or vocational/day programs). Provides assistance to therapists in developing treatment plans. Oversees, monitors and provides instruction/training regarding the implementation of treatment plans for assigned therapeutic specialty to RTTs and direct care staff. Ensures the satisfactory completion of required reports and notes by RTTs and other assigned staff. Ensures relevant information is communicated effectively to the interdisciplinary team. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle may be required. Works under the limited supervision of a Registered Therapist, Psychologist, Director of Education and Training, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions: 

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.

Assists Registered Therapist, Psychologist, Behavior Health Specialist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor in the development and evaluation of treatment plans for their assigned therapeutic specialty.

Monitors the implementation of the program objectives by the direct contact staff and RTTs.

Schedules and conducts staff training and oversight to RTTs and direct contact staff, for optimal resident treatment and training for assigned therapeutic specialty.

Ensures the RTTs and direct contact staff satisfactorily completes documentation of treatment for each individual for their related therapeutic specialty in order to meet applicable standards and procedures.

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

Ensures the collection and completion of data related to treatment plans in order to accurately assess individuals’ progress.

Hires, supervises and trains RTTs and other assigned staff and ensures maintenance of skills.

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: 

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, and to prepare concise reports.

- 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 of ICF-IID regulations and state supported living center policies and procedures.

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

- Skill in the use of equipment, tools, and materials used in therapeutic activities.

- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.

- Ability to provide rehabilitation therapy and to supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. 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 is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

- High school diploma or equivalency preferred;

- At least two years of work experience with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or in performing therapeutic work.

Training and work experience substitution:

- Completion of a therapist technician training program may be substituted for six months of experience; Completion of an Associate’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.

The following are preferred, but not required:

- Some college course work in behavioral sciences, education, or related areas.

- Some 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.

- Some experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

- Some experience in the provision of active treatment in a vocational and/or day programming environment.

- Some experience in the specialty area of active treatment is preferred.

Additional Information:

Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the minimum of the salary range.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center employees are subject to Random drug testing.

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

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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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