Occupational Therapist - Crain Unit

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Waco, TX

About The Position

Correctional Managed Care addresses the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). The Occupational Therapist directs the evaluation, development, coordination, and implementation of occupational therapy interventions for patients. The role serves as a patient advocate, ensuring that care meets legal, ethical, and institutional standards and complies with departmental and organizational policies and procedures. The therapist evaluates and treats patients and plans their discharge in accordance with each patient's age, culture, and condition. The position also documents evaluation, treatment progress, and billing in the medical record in accordance with peer review requirements; communicates relevant patient information with patients, families, physicians, team members, and other disciplines; and participates in assigned rounds, clinics, and case conferences. The therapist may delegate and monitor work performed by a COTA or Rehabilitation Aide, supervise students when requested and when at least one year of experience is held, and contribute to training, supervision, mentoring, in-service education, continuing education, and research opportunities. The position is located within a prison, jail, or juvenile detention center. Security clearance and pre-employment drug testing are required. The work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, harmful chemicals, and disoriented or combative patients. Alertness, attention to detail, and the ability to handle stressful or complex situations are required. Travel to other outpatient clinics and CEU activities may be required, and lifting is required. Salary is commensurate with relevant work experience.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
Licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of Texas.
Zero to three years of related experience.
Security clearance is required.
Pre-employment drug testing is required.
Ability to lift.
Ability to maintain alertness and careful attention to detail and to deal with stressful or complex situations.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and treat patients and provide discharge planning appropriate to their age, culture, and condition.
Document patient evaluations, treatment progress, and billing in the medical record in accordance with peer review requirements.
Communicate pertinent patient information with patients, family members, physicians, team members, and other disciplines.
Participate in rounds, clinics, and case conferences as assigned.
Meet required competencies for the assigned area.
Delegate duties to COTAs and Rehabilitation Aides and appropriately monitor service delivery.
Supervise students when requested, provided the therapist has at least one year of experience.
Participate in training and supervision of entry-level therapists and mentoring physical therapists.
Participate in in-service education, continuing education, and research opportunities.
Adhere to internal controls established for the department.
Perform related duties as required.