Recovery Specialist

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 Rehab Therapy Tech IV (Recovery Specialist) performs highly complex (senior-level) rehabilitative therapy work. Work involves developing of activity-based functional and recreational groups using previous lived experience, implementation, and execution of a planned and assigned program of rehabilitative therapy. Assists with assigning and/or providing guidance to other staff. Coordinates and evaluates activities such as aiding in gaining patient independence and life skill activities. 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.

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.

Independently leads and assists in the development of activity-based functional and recreational groups using previous lived experience and relevant tasks for patient population. Schedules and instructs patients in therapeutic/wellness activities to include, but not limited to, exercise, arts and crafts, and outdoor sports. Coordinates hospital-wide activities independently or as a team with other departments.

Effectively modifies, integrates, and implements programming for people with a wide variety of disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral issues in the therapeutic setting. Selects activities based on patient function, abilities, strengths, and interests. Establishes and maintains a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation among patients and staff while in the therapeutic setting.

Oversees the development of curriculum and coordination of planned programming for the patients served. Coordinates and evaluates activities such as aiding in gaining patient independence and life skill activities to enhance and to maintain patients’ maximum mental wellness. Serve as a role model who shares personal strengths and skills as well as the message that recovery is possible.

Develops and provides training and continuing education to other staff, patients, students, and volunteers, as assigned. Teaching unique curriculum such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to improve and enhance the wellness of the facility at large. Support patients in building personal skills and confidence through telling your own stories of recovering and moving forward in life.

Prepares materials for therapeutic activities and groups and maintains an adequate supply of materials. Maintains inventory and orders supplies, when necessary. Assures all equipment is checked out and returned by staff using equipment. Operates a state vehicle and transports clients as assigned. Assures policies and procedures are followed regarding driving and transporting patients.

Observes the patient’s behavior in response to activities and groups, level of participation, and progress and communicates the information to enhance treatment activities and goals. Completes all documentation in computer-based medical record as required. Completes monthly reports of patients served and activities presented.

Participates in the hospitals performance improvement program by attending meetings, attending treatment teams as an advocate for patients by request, and serving on committees and special workgroups. Assists in the development of plans of correction when deficiencies and standards are identified. Presents at new employee orientations.

Ensures all assigned therapeutic facilities are kept clean and safe for patients served. Demonstrates safety and complies with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures to include monitoring sharps, infection control, and disinfecting equipment, etc. Support participants in finding community opportunities, resources, and destinations that match their own interests and hopes for the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of standards, policies, and procedures

Knowledge of the rehabilitative process and of skills and adaptations necessary for engagement and optimal performance

Strong working knowledge of group dynamics and application to recovery

Knowledge in the rehabilitative therapy specialization area of mental illness and mental disabilities and safe application of knowledge to the provision of planned activities

Skills in observing and identifying patient behavior.

Skills in utilizing recreation and leisure activities.

Skills in the use of equipment, tools, and materials used in therapeutic service activities.

Ability to provide rehabilitative therapy.

Ability to assess patients’ functional levels.

Ability to plan an individualized program of instruction with, or on behalf, of the patient.

Ability to prepare concise reports.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to train others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

May be hired under condition of gaining certification within 1 year of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent.

At least one (1) year of documented experience working with persons with mental illness.

Two years of experience navigating mental health, substance use and interfacing with the criminal justice system 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, and 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 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. Vaccines may be provided. 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