Rehabilitation Therapy Technician III

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Harlingen, TX

3d•$3,048 - $4,150•Onsite

About The Position

The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician III performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work at the Rio Grande State Supported Living Center. The position assists therapists in an assigned therapeutic specialty, such as music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational/day programming. It provides direct-contact instruction and training to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities based on their treatment plans, and trains staff to support continuity of treatment. The role works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, Psychologist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor, with moderate latitude to use initiative and independent judgment. A valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle are required; this position must drive a state-owned vehicle. The role is based at a state supported living center serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who may be medically fragile or have behavioral problems. The position is full-time, regular, nonexempt, on a day shift, and is not eligible for telework. Travel may be required up to 5%. Flexibility in working hours may be required, including overtime or extended hours, weekends, and holidays. The employee may also be assigned an alternate shift pattern or location to support disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities.

Requirements

At least six months of work experience with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities or in performing therapeutic work.
Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain one no later than 90 days after hire; applicants with an out-of-state license must provide an original certified driving record, and an eligible driving record is required under HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Ability to drive a state-owned vehicle.
Knowledge and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques, such as applied behavior analysis or sensory integration.
Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to assist with development of 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.
General knowledge of, or ability to gain knowledge of, ICF/IID regulations and state supported living center policies and procedures.
Ability to meet the same physical requirements as direct-contact staff positions.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Must pass fingerprint-based criminal background checks, a pre-employment drug screen, and required registry checks, including CANRS, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and the HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.
Must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
Males between ages 18 and 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
State Supported Living Center employees are subject to random drug testing.
Must be willing to work weekends and holidays; overtime, extended hours, and flexibility in work hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement treatment plans directly using hands-on methods and monitor treatment goals and objectives through direct-contact observation.
Assist in developing and evaluating treatment plans for the assigned therapeutic specialty.
Assist the assigned therapist or vocational/day programming supervisor with functional skills assessments, including preparing materials, reviewing prior assessments, and conducting direct-contact observations.
Schedule, assist with, and/or provide staff training to Direct Support Professionals to promote continuity and follow-through on treatment-plan objectives when therapists or RTTs are unavailable, as needed by the center.
Monitor Direct Support Professionals’ implementation of program objectives, collect data, and report findings to the interdisciplinary team and the therapist or supervisor overseeing the discipline.
Complete paperwork in program-related areas to meet applicable standards and procedures.
Collect data related to treatment plans to assess individuals’ progress accurately.
Participate in the interdisciplinary team process by providing information about functional skills assessment results, responses to interventions, monitoring, and staff training.
Provide the team with feedback about individuals’ progress, work with Direct Support Professionals to maintain a connection, and assist with developing treatment plans for the assigned discipline.
Maintain current skills relevant to assigned responsibilities.
Participate in or support agency disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations activities as assigned.
Attend work regularly, follow an assigned or rotating shift schedule as required, and perform other duties as assigned.