RTT III - Lifeguard

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Mexia, TX

1d•$3,048 - $4,150•Onsite

About The Position

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. This position is for a Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (RTT), Lifeguard who performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work and ensures the safety of swimmers at the SSLC’s swimming pool. Provides assistance to therapists for aquatic therapy and other assigned therapeutic specialty, (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational /day programming). Plans, develops, and implements aquatic activities. Provides direct contact instruction/training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their treatment plans for aquatic therapy and other specialty areas as needed. Trains others to ensure continuity of treatment plans. Monitors water activities, enforces safety regulations, and responds promptly to emergencies or incidents. Performs rescues, administers first aid and CPR as needed, and maintains clean and safe facilities. This position is required to drive a state-owned vehicle and works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Requires current Red Cross Lifesaving, Lifeguard, Certified Water Rescuer, and/or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification, or the ability to obtain one within 2 months of hire.
Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required. 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
At least six months of work experience in one of the following areas: Working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, or Performing therapeutic work, or Working as Lifeguard.
Knowledge and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques (e.g., applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, etc).
Knowledge of water safety regulations, rescue procedures, CPR and first aid protocols, and pool safety standards.
General knowledge, or ability to gain knowledge, of ICF/IID regulations and state supported living center policies and procedures.
Skill in swimming, surveillance and hazard recognition, rescue response, and first aid administration.
Skills in communicating with others.
Ability to remain alert for extended periods, make quick decisions in emergencies, work calmly under pressure, and maintain physical stamina in a swimming pool.
Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to assist in development of treatment and support plans.
Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).
Ability to utilize personal computers and relevant software.
Ability to meet the same physical requirements as those for direct contact staff positions.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED
Experience in the areas of applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, psychology, and / or vocational rehabilitation is preferred.
Experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Ensures the safety of swimmers at the SSLC’s swimming pool. Monitors swimming areas to prevent accidents and responds quickly to emergencies. Enforces pool rules and educate individuals about water safety. Performs rescues and provide first aid and CPR when necessary.
Inspects and maintains pool safety equipment and report environmental hazards through the appropriate processes. Keeps the pool facility clean and assists with other operational tasks related to the pool as needed.
Plans aquatic and other recreational activities that are enjoyed by persons with a variety of skills, abilities, and interests. Directly implements treatment plans through “hands on” methods, monitors treatment goals and objectives through direct contact observation.
Assists in the development and evaluation of treatment plans for aquatic therapy and , as needed, other assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).
Assists the assigned therapist or vocational/day programming supervisor in conducting functional skills assessments (e.g., preparing materials for assessments, reviewing prior assessments, conducting direct contact observations).
Schedules, assists with and/or provides staff training to Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) to ensure continuity and follow through of treatment plan objectives during hours when Therapists or RTTs are not available and depending on SSLC needs. Monitors the implementation of the program objectives by the DSP’s, gathers data and report this to the interdisciplinary team as well as the therapist or supervisor overseeing their respective discipline.
Ensures the satisfactory completion of paperwork in program related areas in order to meet applicable standards and procedures.
Ensures the collection of data related to treatment plans in order to accurately assess the individual’s progress.
Participates in the interdisciplinary team process including providing information regarding the results of functional skills assessments and response to interventions as well as the results of monitoring and staff training efforts.
Provides feedback to the team about the individual’s progress, works with Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to maintain a connection and assists with the development of treatment plans for the assigned discipline.
Maintains current skills in relation to assigned responsibilities, including Lifeguard certification, and CPR/First Aid.
Actively participates and/or serves 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.