Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)Registered Therapist II COTA

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:

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!

Registered Therapist II applies professional knowledge in carrying out appropriate treatment programs as established by a therapist. Assists in design and performs designated therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed Therapist.  Assists staff therapists in initial and periodic evaluation.  Supervises therapy activities and staff during the absence of the therapists.   Performs monitoring, treatments, in-service instruction, and other duties in conjunction with the Physical Management Program.  Completes appropriate documentation.   Assists in fabrication and maintenance of assistive equipment and assists with construction/fabrication of adaptive/orthopedic/or communication equipment.  Works under supervision with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment and use of initiative. 

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.

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 in habilitation testing, programming and reporting of clinical services.

Administers individualized habilitation program plans.

Implements treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain consumers’ level of function.

Interviews individuals/staff and renders therapeutic treatments to consumers. 

Assists in provision of orthopedic equipment production, maintenance and repair program.

Participates in conferences for treatment planning. 

Performs training programs for both consumers and staff. 

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to therapeutic services provisions at the local level. 

Participates in the student internships or other educational/programs. 

Supervises the work of others.

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.

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 evaluation, design, and fabrication of assistive/orthotic/mobility or communication equipment.

Ability to learn/practice good team interaction and management skills.

Ability to interact with individuals living at the State Supported Living Center in a manner which fosters dignity, trust and confidence.

Ability to demonstrate appropriate and effective written, oral and nonverbal communication with individuals, their families, State Supported Living Center staff and the public.

Ability to teach team members to perform selected treatment and/or functional activities including equipment in-services and PNMP procedure.

Ability to implement therapeutic programs and modify treatment within scope of licensure requirements.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA), or Speech Therapy Assistant able to practice in the State of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduate of a two-year program of study which meets standards of and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical or Occupational Therapy Education.

Experience working with people with 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 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.

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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