Recreation Program Specialist III - Vocational Manager

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Functional Title: Recreation Program Specialist III - Vocational Manager 
Job Title: Recreation Program Spec III 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Vocational Serv Administration 
Posting Number: 7854 
Closing Date: 10/05/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-17 
Salary Range: $3,581.33 - $5,372.41 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center 
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0919,3F1X1 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where 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 supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Recreation Program Spec III - Performs highly complex duties and works as a manager over vocational areas. Will be supervised by the Director of Vocational. Work involves mentoring, supervising, reports, meetings, planning, scheduling, and overseeing vocational programs at Austin State Supported Living Center. Will plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Instructs and oversees staff in performing vocational activities.

Reviews clients' progress, notes changes in clients' behavior, and recommends changes of activities as appropriate.

Reviews each center's program to determine adequacy and need for changes.

Reviews plans for specialized rehabilitation therapy activities.

Employs security measures in planning and overseeing vocational activities.

Requisitions and purchases of supplies.

Plans, schedules, and oversees a variety of individuals programming.

Plans, develops, and conducts orientations and in-service training programs.

Prepares activity and progress reports on vocational programs and activities.

Implements and evaluates therapeutic and vocational programs and activities.

May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Performs related work 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and methods related to a wide variety of vocational programs.

Ability to plan, schedule, and oversee a vocational area; to oversee the maintenance of supplies and facilities; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to assign and/or supervise the work of others.

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School diploma required.

Prefer graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in kinesiology, physical education, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.

Experience in rehabilitation therapy or vocational activities work.

Experience in the management and coordination of vocational services with geriatric clients. Experience in staff supervision and coordination, personnel management, program planning and evaluations, standards compliance, and interdepartmental relations.

Experience in completing complex tasks.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

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. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

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

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.