Orthopedic Equipment Tech III

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Lubbock, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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 Orthopedic Equipment Tech II performs advanced work involved in assisting the design, fabrication and repair of seating systems and other adaptive equipment to promote function, comfort, and reduce the risk of medically related problems. The Orthopedic Equipment Tech III works under supervision (i.e. assignments are specified) of the Hab Therapy director and a lead clinical therapist; however has duties to provide guidance of day to day tasks, mentoring, education, inspect jobs in progress and perform quality assurance checks to Orthopedic Equipment Tech I’s and II’s. Completion of work requires occasionally originating new methods and/or techniques. Decisions are varied but based on broad principles and guidelines. Works collaboratively with HT therapists for evaluation and design. May have to be on call to respond to emergent wheelchair or adaptive equipment needs. Plan manufacture and preventive maintenance of modified and customized adaptive equipment or orthopedic devices.

Requirements

Ability to design, with assistance, and fabricate seating systems and other adaptive equipment for individual needs.
Knowledge of and ability to safely operate equipment such as band saw, table saw, cut-off saw, table and hand grinder, cutting torch, and wire feed welder.
Knowledge and skill to safely use manual and power hand tools.
Ability to keep records and make reports, to prioritize tasks/assignments, delegate projects, and complete projects in a timely manner.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing effectively and work well in a collaborative team setting.
Ability to be flexible in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
Exhibits mature judgment and emotional stability in previous work experience.
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.
High School Diploma or GED or previous employment experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of emotional disorders and developmental disabilities is preferred.
At least one year of experience in a facility for people with developmental disabilities is preferred.
Experience in orthopedic equipment manufacturing, upholstering, welding or metal work preferred.
Computer experience and skills is preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Design, fabricate, modify, repair and maintain seating systems and adaptive equipment to promote function and comfort, and to reduce the risk of medically related problems while maintaining reasonable balance between quality and quantity of work to ensure products are acceptable in appearance and function while completing products within a reasonable amount of time.
Acquires/Maintains current knowledge about tools and properties of materials used and applies knowledge routinely to the fabrication, repair and preventative maintenance of wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
Assist HT therapist in the evaluation and design and/or modifications of wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.
Supervises onsite wheelchair shop technicians, exercising judgement in prioritization of projects in assigning and delegation of tasks.
Organizes and maintains tool and material inventory – has no preventable shortage of equipment or supplies. Coordinates with HTD and clinical lead therapists to keep current record of expenditures and balances. Assists with information to maintain an effective computer filing system, assuring quick and reliable access to information.
Takes appropriate remedial action in response to supervised employees, emergency situations, and any equipment issues. Advises Clinical lead therapist and Hab Therapy Director about recurring problems in a timely manner. Responds to emergencies and unusual problems, as required, to maintain wheelchairs and adaptive equipment in acceptable working conditions.
Utilizes computer skills to efficiently complete job tasks and documentation. Utilizes network resources to communicate information quickly and efficiently.
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.