Rehab Therapy Tech II

Are you ready to be professionally challenged? Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and committed professionals? Then the Health and Specialty Care System (HSCS) may be just the place for you! The HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state, and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. Whether in a direct-care or support role, your contribution will make a difference in the life of a Texan.Rehab Therapy Tech II under the direct supervision of a Rehabilitation Teacher or Occupational Therapist, performs a variety of duties and is involved in planning and carrying out scheduled activities. Work involves providing structured recreational activities for patients on a unit or day program and in a group or individual basis. Performs assigned duties alone or as part of a multidisciplinary team. The Rehab Therapy Tech II also assists the hospital by assisting with coverage for large hospital-wide activities. The duties, location of work and shift patterns are subject to change as to best meet the needs of the department, program, or hospital. This position is required to drive a state owned vehicle. Essential Job Functions:1. Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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.2. Independently leads and assists in the development and implementation of activity-based educational programming and activities using relevant tasks appropriate for patient population on assigned unit. Assists OT staff with off-campus outings and select activities when appropriate. Effectively manages a wide variety of disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral problems in the therapeutic setting. Establishes and maintains a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation among patients and staff while in the therapeutic setting. Must continually present self as a role model to all persons in contact with.3. Responsibly prepares supplies and equipment for all scheduled activities.4. Completes all documentation as required in a timely and relevant manner. Documents accordingly on observations as appropriate in reporting the patient’s behaviors, reactions, and progress.5. Attends all mandatory programmatic in-services to maintain compliance with program standards. Completes all required annual training and refreshers prior to due date, that includes annual completion of 10 hours of job specific training.6. Shall accept safety as a personal responsibility and comply with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures to include the procurement of applicable SDS information, monitoring sharps, disinfecting equipment, etc.7. 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. Knowledge Skills Abilities:1. Demonstrates skill and capability of accurately observing and identifying significant patient behaviors and possesses the capability of accurately documenting in progress notes.2. Knowledge of Rad Plus.3. Knowledge of Psychiatric Rehab/Recreation concepts.4. Ability and willingness to work with supervisor, co-workers, and follow established policy and procedures.5. Considerable knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning and conducting recreational activities in a mental health setting.6. Must possess a wide variety of leisure skills and a firm knowledge of the value and role of recreation and leisure activities.7. Strong working knowledge of group dynamics and application to Therapeutic Services.8. Ability to exercise good discretionary judgment while carrying out duties assigned.9. Demonstrate effective skills and techniques in motivating patient participation.10. Can describe and demonstrate importance of positive words, creativity, consistency, genuineness, enthusiasm, and different roles in relating to patients.11. Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.12. Ability to retrieve and print documents.13. Ability to drive van.Registration or Licensure Requirements:Must possess valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. 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. Initial Selection Criteria:1. Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.2. Experience interacting with clients/patients in a mental health setting.Additional Information:Applicants 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 OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All of these diseases are vaccine-preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with patients. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.Salary Note: The salary offered will follow HHS starting salary guidelines which are typically made at or near the posted minimum of the salary range.MOS Code:Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 68L, 65A, 65B, HM, 4C0X1. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.I-9 Form – Click here to download the I-9 form.In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.