Rehab Therapy Tech V-AFP

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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 Rehabilitation Therapy Technician V performs advanced (senior-level) rehabilitative therapy work. Responsibilities include developing a comprehensive, structured, hospital-wide recreational activity program; developing and providing training for new Rehab Therapy Technicians, as well as continuing education for experienced Rehab Therapy Technicians; maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment; providing necessary instruction to assist patients in attaining optimum level of performance; providing services in groups or on an individual basis. The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician documents progress or changes in patient’s behavior. Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary recovery team. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is on AFP with supervisor duties. 

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 programs using 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 to enhance identified challenges and to maintain patients’ maximum physical ability.

Develops and provides training and continuing education to other Rehabilitation Therapy Technicians, students, and volunteers, as assigned.

Prepares materials for therapeutic activities 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, 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 and serving on committees and special workgroups. Assists in the development of plans of correction when deficiencies and standards are identified.

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.

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 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.

Ability to plan work activities.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

If transporting patients, must possess valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s 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 a standard senior high school or equivalent or three years’ experience working with people who have mental illnesses or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Completion of an associate degree in a rehabilitation area preferred.

Three (3) years’ experience working with people who have mental illnesses or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities 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, 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.

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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