Registered Therapist II

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 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 nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The 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 Registered Therapist II performs moderately complex (journey-level) therapeutic rehabilitation activities and treatment. The types of duties the Registered Therapist is responsible for include therapeutic recreation, music

therapy, art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy (based on discipline credentials), psychosocial session planning; and completing the Functional Skills Assessment. Other responsibilities include maintaining inventory, equipment, instruments, and cleanliness of assigned area. The Registered Therapist provides guidance to therapist technicians who provide therapeutic activities for the individuals served. The Registered Therapist is required to demonstrate appropriate role-modeling behaviors when in the presence of patients and staff in support of the Recovery Based Program. The Registered Therapist has full access to a limited set of records in accordance with HIPPA regulations. Works under general supervision, 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.

Shift statement (use as needed): This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

MSP statement (use as needed): 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.

Assesses individual rehabilitation functional skills to provide a basis for individual program planning. Establishes, implements, and adapts an individualized treatment plan of care (including collaborative goal setting and treatment activities). Completes the initial assessment on all individuals admitted into the hospital.

Discusses future program changes with their supervisor. Shares future programming changes with their respective program staff. Develops and implements consistent feedback loops to determine programmatic changes based on the current recovery needs of the individuals.

Maintains inventory, equipment, instruments, and cleanliness of assigned area, and is accountable for assigned property.

Acts as a role model and provides on-going technical direction to professional and para-professional staff in the development and implementation of the Rehabilitation Therapy programs to ensure a focus on program goals, which includes person centered, recovery oriented, trauma informed care. Clarifies program goals, provides sessions, and implements approaches, directly observes program implementation, and enacts corrective actions.

Follows HIPPA guidelines when completing all required documentation.

Assists technicians with developing activity calendars for their specific program areas.

Attends and participates in required departmental meetings, training, and performance improvement activities and tasks.

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 the principles and techniques of rehabilitation therapy in working with various patient populations

Knowledge of discipline specific therapeutic modalities in the recovery process

Knowledge of implementation and documentation of individualized care and recovery plans

Knowledge of approved methods of facilitating and interacting with individuals

Knowledge of health, safety, and infection control

Knowledge of performance and quality improvement activities or techniques

Skills in the use of rehabilitation and orthopedic equipment, materials, and tools

Skills in evaluation, treatment planning and documentation of patient progress

Skills in the operation of computers and applicable computer software

Skills in effective communication, both orally and in writing

Ability to plan, develop, implement, and facilitate treatment focused therapy groups.

Ability to plan, develop, implement, and facilitate individual therapy sessions based on evaluation outcomes.

Ability to motivate and sustain individuals’ interest in rehabilitation activities and make changes.

Ability to observe, evaluate, communicate, and document individual’s progress.

Ability to be consistent and empathetic in working with patients.

Ability to develop and conduct assessments.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communications.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Ability to react calmly and appropriately in stressful situations.

Ability to plan therapy programs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be a licensed or credentialed therapist in one of the therapy specialties Current national registration, state licensure, or certification as required by law in the therapeutic specialty for which the Registered Therapist is to work.

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle, if required to transport individuals. Applicants with an out-of-state driver 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:

One year of experience in therapeutic rehabilitation work

Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major coursework in one of the recognized therapeutic rehabilitation activities such as include therapeutic recreation, music, therapy, art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy.

One year of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and/or senior adults.

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

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.