Rehab Therapy Tech - Patient Services

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

2d•$3,650 - $4,595•Onsite

About The Position

The Rehab Therapy Tech IV performs highly complex, senior-level rehabilitative therapy work, assisting with the development, implementation, and delivery of assigned rehabilitation programs. The position provides guidance to other staff and helps train new rehabilitation staff, working under general supervision with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. The role is based at Austin State Hospital in Austin, Texas, and is not eligible for telework. The role supports recovery-oriented programming intended to promote patients’ successful return to the community. Activities include therapeutic recreation, fitness, exercise, swimming, sports, arts and crafts, team building, and instruction in self-care, independent living, and character-building skills. The position observes and documents patient behavior and participation, develops programming based on patient needs, contributes to treatment planning, coordinates community and college resources, and helps maintain safe, clean, well-equipped therapy facilities. The position is full-time, regular, nonexempt, and scheduled for day shift, although specific or rotating schedules, extended shifts, overtime, and flexibility in work hours may be required. Travel is up to 10%. The role may also support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities, potentially at another location or on an alternate shift. The listed monthly salary range is $3,649.83 to $4,594.50.

Requirements

Two years of experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Valid Texas driver license, or ability to 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 from the state of licensure.
Eligible driving record under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
CPR certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
Must be at least 18 years old for employment at a state-operated facility.
Ability to use computers, therapeutic-service equipment, tools, and materials; document patient progress and behavior; evaluate patient participation; interact effectively with patients, families, and staff; communicate orally and in writing; and instruct and train others.
Knowledge of rehabilitation methods and techniques, mental illness and mental disabilities, applicable regulations and procedures, and supervising and overseeing others.
Must pass required fingerprint criminal background, pre-employment drug, and registry checks.
Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital immunization procedures is required.
Must provide I-9 documentation on the first day of work; HHSC uses E-Verify.
Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience developing treatment and support plans for people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Certified Rehab Therapy Technician (PTA), or ability to obtain certification within one year if required.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director and Assistant Director of Rehabilitation with screening applicants, interviewing, and onboarding qualified Rehabilitation Technicians.
Facilitate and instruct patients in therapeutic activities, including interactive games, recreation, fitness, exercise, swimming, sports, crafts, arts, and team building.
Teach courses and skills related to character building, self-care, and independent living, including decision making, career planning, finances, maintenance, health and hygiene, etiquette, and manners.
Maintain relationships with colleges and community resources to arrange college visits, guest speakers, and other educational opportunities.
Observe patients during programming and accurately document their behavior and participation in progress notes.
Assess patient and group needs through observation, identify suitable therapeutic activities, and implement workshops and groups.
Assist the Assistant Director in training Rehabilitation Therapy Technicians and provide guidance to staff as needed.
Operate a state vehicle and transport patients when assigned; reserve vans, perform vehicle checks, ensure passengers are safely seated and buckled, and complete driving logs according to policy.
Attend department meetings, case formulations, and unit overlap discussions as needed; provide feedback and organize special projects and events.
Check rehabilitation equipment and supplies weekly, obtain purchase approval, inventory and store new equipment, and manage equipment check-in and check-out.
Research and develop curriculum, coordinate planned patient programming, obtain approval, and submit lesson plans to the director.
Provide feedback to patient treatment team coordinators, identify patient goals with them, and document updates that support current treatment planning.
Keep assigned therapeutic facilities, buildings, and sports fields safe and clean; communicate facility needs to plant operations, reserve spaces, and maintain an availability schedule.
Participate in other assigned duties, including agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities when required.