Rehab Therapy Tech III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Vernon, TX

4d•$3,048 - $4,150•Onsite

About The Position

The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work, assisting therapists in an assigned therapeutic specialty such as music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational/day programming. The technician provides direct-contact instruction and training to patients according to their treatment plans and trains staff to support continuity of treatment. A valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle may be required. The position works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, Psychologist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role is based at Vernon State Hospital and is not eligible for telework. The position is full-time and regular, with a day shift and an additional second/evening shift noted. Flexibility in work hours may be required, including rotating schedules, overtime, extended shifts, and possible alternate shift or location assignments during disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activation. Travel may be up to 5%. Applicants must pass fingerprint-based criminal background, drug-screen, and registry checks. Employees must comply with HHSC immunization policies and state hospital procedures. The position requires meeting the physical requirements for direct-contact staff and may involve working with people who exhibit aggressive behavior.

Requirements

At least 18 months of experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Knowledge and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques, such as applied behavior analysis and sensory integration.
Knowledge of how to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
Knowledge of Joint Commission and behavioral health regulations, and state hospital policies and procedures.
Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Ability to assist in developing treatment and support plans.
Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems for the assigned therapeutic specialty.
Ability to use personal computers and relevant software.
Ability to make accurate notes of observation sessions and write reports.
Ability to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Ability to work with people who exhibit aggressive behavior.
Ability to meet the physical requirements for direct-contact staff positions.
Valid Texas driver license, or obtain one no later than 90 days after hire, to drive a state vehicle; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and the driving record must meet HHSC Fleet Management policy.
CPR certification, or obtain certification within 12 months.
Pass required fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks.
At least 18 years of age for employment at a state-operated facility.
Comply with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures related to immunizations.

Nice To Haves

At least 18 months of experience developing treatment and support plans for people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

Directly implement treatment plans using hands-on methods and monitor treatment goals and objectives through direct observation.
Assist with the development and evaluation of treatment plans in the assigned therapeutic specialty.
Assist therapists or vocational/day programming supervisors with functional skills assessments, including preparing materials, reviewing prior assessments, and conducting observations.
Schedule, assist with, and/or provide training to Psychiatric Nurse Assistants to support continuity of treatment plan objectives when therapists or technicians are unavailable, depending on service needs.
Monitor PNA implementation of program objectives, collect data, and report findings to the interdisciplinary team and supervising therapist or supervisor.
Ensure completion of program-related paperwork in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
Collect data related to treatment plans to accurately assess individual progress.
Participate in interdisciplinary team processes by sharing functional assessment results, responses to interventions, monitoring results, and staff-training efforts.
Provide the team with feedback about individual progress, work with PNAs to maintain connection, and assist in developing treatment plans for the assigned discipline.
Maintain current skills related to assigned responsibilities.
Participate in agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when assigned; this may require a different shift pattern or work location.
Perform other duties as assigned.