Registered Therapist Senior

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.

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 IV performs highly advanced and complex (senior level) therapeutic rehabilitation activities and treatment. Coordinates therapeutic rehabilitation services and programs within the department. Can supervise and/or provide training to Registered Therapists and Rehabilitation Therapy Technicians in rehabilitation department. Provides and/or directs the provision of skilled therapy to individuals. Develops treatment protocols for specialty areas. Analyzes progress reports, provision of services by direct reports and instructs on modifications required. Develops in-service training programs. Works with departmental and hospital leadership to develop programming via performance improvement activities. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable 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.

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.

Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates discipline specific therapy and activities. Develops treatment protocols for specialty areas. Provides consultation and collaboration among department, units, recovery teams and administration in order to establish an active rehabilitation department with patient goals/objectives based on recovery needs.

Performs therapy evaluations and assessments; formulates and develops goals and objectives; Implements person centered, recovery oriented, and trauma informed care.     

Supervises, trains and evaluates rehabilitation technicians and registered therapists in the rehabilitation department. Develops in-service training programs. Monitors and audits documentation completed by direct reports on their assigned individuals’ attendance and their response to treatment. Demonstrates respect, compassion, consideration and responsiveness to individual satisfaction and recovery team recommendations. Engages in quality assurance activities to ensure programming is meeting standards.

Establishes and maintains professional competencies through participation in Continuing Education programs relevant to their credentialed discipline or activities in order to provide the best level of care to individuals as well as maintain their credential.

Participates in performance improvement activities that include revision of departmental policies and procedures; identifying client and programmatic needs; developing and implementing outcome measures; monitoring and improving environment of care; revising treatment programs to meet standards of care and accreditation standards for The Joint Commission (TJC), Medicare/Medicaid, and HHSC. Participates in Participates in audits, attends Performance Improvement Team (PIT) meetings, and develops and implements plan of corrections.

Actively supports facility and agency safety (including patient safety) risk management, and infection control programs. Implements and monitors health, safety, and infection control measures relevant to rehabilitation session spaces and equipment.

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 alternative 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 therapy/rehabilitation (and orthopedic equipment when applicable), materials, and tools.

Skills in evaluation, treatment planning and documentation of patient progress.

Skills in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Skills in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.

Skills in effective communication.

Skills in the supervision of multiple employees.

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

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

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

Ability to be consistent and empathetic in working with patients.

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:

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

Three years of experience in therapeutic rehabilitation work to Children or Adolescents or Adults or Senior Adults.

Three years of related training or experience in a psychiatric setting or with special populations.

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.