Rehab Therapy Tech IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below. The Rehab Therapy Tech IV (Recovery Specialist) performs highly complex (senior-level) rehabilitative therapy work. Work involves developing of activity-based functional and recreational groups using previous lived experience, implementation, and execution of a planned and assigned program of rehabilitative therapy. Assists with assigning and/or providing guidance to other staff. Coordinates and evaluates activities such as aiding in gaining patient independence and life skill activities. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving 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. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Requirements

Knowledge of standards, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of the rehabilitative process and of skills and adaptations necessary for engagement and optimal performance
Strong working knowledge of group dynamics and application to recovery
Knowledge in the rehabilitative therapy specialization area of mental illness and mental disabilities and safe application of knowledge to the provision of planned activities
Skills in observing and identifying patient behavior.
Skills in utilizing recreation and leisure activities.
Skills in the use of equipment, tools, and materials used in therapeutic service activities.
Ability to provide rehabilitative therapy.
Ability to work collaboratively with treatment team members and other staff.
Ability to assess patients’ functional levels.
Ability to plan an individualized program of instruction with, or on behalf, of the patient.
Ability to prepare concise reports.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to train others.
Ability and willingness to speak publicly to groups.
Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
Certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Two years’ experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience navigating mental health, substance use and interfacing with the criminal justice system preferred.
Completion of an associate degree in the rehabilitation area preferred.
Certified Rehab Therapy Technician (PTA) or obtain within one year may be required.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Independently leads and assists in the development of activity-based functional and recreational groups using previous lived experience and relevant tasks for patient population. Schedules and instructs patients in therapeutic/wellness activities to include, but not limited to, exercise, arts and crafts, and outdoor sports. Coordinates hospital-wide activities independently or as a team with other departments.
Effectively modifies, integrates, and implements programming for people with a wide variety of disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral issues in the therapeutic setting. Selects activities based on patient function, abilities, strengths, and interests. Establishes and maintains a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation among patients and staff while in the therapeutic setting.
Oversees the development of curriculum and coordination of planned programming for the patients served. Coordinates and evaluates activities such as aiding in gaining patient independence and life skill activities to enhance and to maintain patients’ maximum mental wellness. Serve as a role model who shares personal strengths and skills as well as the message that recovery is possible.
Develops and provides training and continuing education to other staff, patients, students, and volunteers, as assigned. Teaching unique curriculum such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to improve and enhance the wellness of the facility at large. Support patients in building personal skills and confidence through telling your own stories of recovering and moving forward in life.
Prepares materials for therapeutic activities and groups and maintains an adequate supply of materials. Maintains inventory and orders supplies, when necessary. Assures all equipment is checked out and returned by staff using equipment. Operates a state vehicle and transports clients as assigned. Assures policies and procedures are followed regarding driving and transporting patients.
Observes the patient’s behavior in response to activities and groups, level of participation, and progress and communicates the information to enhance treatment activities and goals. Completes all documentation in computer-based medical record as required. Completes monthly reports of patients served and activities presented.
Participates in the hospitals performance improvement program by attending meetings, attending treatment teams as an advocate for patients by request, and serving on committees and special workgroups. Assists in the development of plans of correction when deficiencies and standards are identified. Presents at new employee orientations.
Ensures all assigned therapeutic facilities are kept clean and safe for patients served. Demonstrates safety and complies with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures to include monitoring sharps, infection control, and disinfecting equipment, etc. Support participants in finding community opportunities, resources, and destinations that match their own interests and hopes for the future.
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving 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.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

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