Recovery Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Big Spring, TX

5d • $3,650 - $4,595 • Onsite

About The Position

The Recovery Specialist, also identified as Rehab Therapy Tech IV, performs senior-level rehabilitative therapy work at Big Spring State Hospital. The role develops and leads activity-based functional and recreational groups using relevant lived experience, and implements assigned rehabilitative therapy programs. It coordinates and evaluates activities that help patients build independence and life skills, and may guide other staff. Work is performed under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position supports people with varied disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral needs through individualized therapeutic and wellness activities. It observes patient participation and progress, contributes information to treatment goals, documents services, and supports patients in building confidence, wellness, and connections to community resources. It also maintains activity supplies and safe therapeutic spaces, may transport clients in a state vehicle, and participates in hospital improvement activities, training, and emergency response or continuity-of-operations assignments as needed.

Requirements

• Two years of experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of standards, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of the rehabilitative process and the skills and adaptations needed for engagement and optimal performance.
• Working knowledge of group dynamics and their application to recovery.
• Knowledge of mental illness and mental disabilities in rehabilitative therapy and safe application of that knowledge to planned activities.
• Skills in observing and identifying patient behavior and using recreation and leisure activities.
• Skills in using equipment, tools, and materials for therapeutic service activities.
• Ability to provide rehabilitative therapy, assess patients’ functional levels, and plan individualized instruction with or on behalf of patients.
• Ability to collaborate with treatment team members and other staff, prepare concise reports, and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to train others and willingness and ability to speak publicly to groups.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain one within 90 days after hire to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record from their licensing state; an eligible driving record under HHSC Fleet Management policy is required.
• Must be certified in CPR or obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Certified Rehab Therapy Technician (PTA) certification may be required, or must be obtained within one year.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and specified registry checks.
• Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Must comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures.
• Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work.

Nice To Haves

• Two years of experience navigating mental health and substance use and interfacing with the criminal justice system.
• Completion of an associate degree in a rehabilitation area.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and assist with activity-based functional and recreational groups using lived experience and tasks relevant to the patient population.
• Schedule and instruct patients in therapeutic and wellness activities, including exercise, arts and crafts, and outdoor sports.
• Coordinate hospital-wide activities independently or with other departments.
• Adapt and implement programming for people with varied disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral needs, selecting activities according to patient function, abilities, strengths, and interests.
• Maintain a cooperative atmosphere among patients and staff in therapeutic settings.
• Oversee curriculum development and coordinate planned patient programming to promote independence, life skills, and mental wellness.
• Serve as a recovery role model by sharing personal strengths, skills, and experiences of recovery.
• Develop and provide training and continuing education to staff, patients, students, and volunteers as assigned, including instruction in curriculum such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Prepare therapeutic activity materials, maintain supplies and inventory, and order supplies when necessary.
• Operate a state vehicle and transport clients as assigned, following policies and procedures for driving and patient transportation.
• Observe patient behavior, participation, and progress during activities; communicate relevant information to support treatment activities and goals.
• Complete required computer-based medical record documentation and monthly reports of patients served and activities presented.
• Participate in performance improvement activities, meetings, treatment teams as a patient advocate when requested, committees, and special workgroups.
• Assist in developing plans of correction when deficiencies or standards are identified and present at new employee orientations.
• Keep assigned therapeutic facilities clean and safe; follow safety procedures, including monitoring sharps, infection control, and equipment disinfection.
• Support participants in finding community opportunities, resources, and destinations aligned with their interests and hopes for the future.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned, which may require a different shift pattern or work location.
• Attend work regularly and work assigned schedules, which may include rotating or extended shifts and overtime.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement.
• May be eligible for additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed