Registered Therapist V Occupational Therapist

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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!

The Occupational Therapist provides highly advanced therapeutic services in Occupational Therapy. The Therapist performs and interprets assessments and renders clinical and consultative services to consumers. Work may involve but is not limited to evaluation and treatment of wounds, assessment of gait disturbances, pain management, acute care/restorative services, circulatory studies, evaluation and fabrication of orthotic/seating/mobility/positioning devices, and other specialized modalities utilized in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Therapist plans, develops, and implements complex physical nutritional management programs and treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain the individual's level of health and function. The Therapist performs monitoring and tracking and trending of data pertaining to services and devices; participates in the IDT and assists in development of the ISP; performs staff training and mentoring for devices/strategies; and participates in treatment planning and collaboration with the IDT. The Therapist participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to provision of therapeutic services at the facility and State level (as requested). The Therapist may plan, assign and supervise the work of departmental staff. This position may oversee the coordination of the student internships or other educational/programs and may conduct research in therapeutic outcomes/practice. The Therapist works independently with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and judgment. 

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.

[May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.]

Performs or oversees evaluation, treatment, clinical services and specialized modalities utilized in the treatment of individuals with multiple physical disabilities and serious medical conditions.

Plans, develops and implements complex physical nutritional management programs and treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain consumer's level of health and function.

Reviews and analyzes assessments, progress reports, incident reports, and medical consults and participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to provision of therapeutic services.

Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others.

Participates in IDT/ISP meetings to facilitate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Maintains open and regular communication with the other departments, IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services.

Responsible for documentation in IRIS.

Writes, reviews and analyzes assessments, progress reports, incident reports, and medical consults.

Oversees the planning, scheduling, and production of orthopedic equipment, the maintenance and repair programs, and designs and develops specifications for custom and adaptive equipment.

Oversees the coordination of the student internships’ programs for both Universities.

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 of clinical therapeutic evaluation and treatment and their application to the treatment of individuals with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities.

Ability to evaluate, prescribe, and provide seating, mobility, positioning, orthotic or assistive devices.

Ability to impart general and specific information about HT, IDD, CP, anatomy, physiology, and treatment techniques to persons with varying levels or experience.

Ability to communicate effectively both in written form and verbally.

Ability to produce reports, progress notes and assessments utilizing computer technology.

Ability to work well with staff, foster the team process, and assume leadership role as indicated.

Skill in the use of rehabilitation and orthopedic equipment, materials, and tools and in the repair of rehabilitation therapy equipment.

Ability to perform assessments, develop programs, administer therapy programs, and to coordinate program activities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be a Licensed Therapist in Occupational Therapy

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major course work in occupational therapy is preferred.

Experience in therapeutic rehabilitation work.

Experience and education may be substituted for one another. 

Experience with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) or therapeutic equipment 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