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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Registered Therapist II applies professional knowledge in carrying out appropriate treatment programs as established by a therapist. Assists in design and performs designated therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed Therapist. Assists staff therapists in initial and periodic evaluation. Supervises therapy activities and staff during the absence of the therapists. Performs monitoring, treatments, in-service instruction, and other duties in conjunction with the Physical therapy Programs. Completes appropriate documentation. Assists in fabrication and maintenance of assistive equipment and assists with construction/fabrication of adaptive/orthopedic/or communication equipment. Works under supervision with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment and use of initiative.

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.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be requested 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.

Assists in habilitation testing, programming, and reporting of clinical services.

Administers individualized habilitation program plans.

Implements treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain patients’ level of function.

Interviews individuals/staff and renders therapeutic treatments to patients.

Assists in provision of therapeutic equipment production, maintenance, and repair program.

Participates in conferences for treatment planning.

Performs training programs for both patients and staff.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to therapeutic services provisions at the local level.

Participates in the student internships or other educational/programs.

Supervises the work of others.

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. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of evaluation, design, and fabrication of assistive/therapeutic/mobility or communication equipment.

Ability to learn/practice good team interaction and management skills.

Ability to interact with patients living at the State Hospital in a manner which fosters dignity, trust, and confidence.

Ability to demonstrate appropriate and effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication with individuals, their families, State Hospital staff and the public.

Ability to teach team members to perform selected treatment and/or functional activities including equipment in-services and PNMP procedure.

Ability to implement therapeutic programs and modify treatment within scope of licensure requirements.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) able to practice in the State of Texas

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduate of a two-year program of study which meets standards of and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Physical or Occupational Therapy Education.

Experience working with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is preferred.

Additional Information:
Only applications with the job experience completed on the application will be considered. Only applicants who are interviewed will receive written notification of selection results.

SALARY NOTE: The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual Chapter 7.

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, 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.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age or older.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. 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 individuals. 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.

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

MOS Code:
MOS CODE(s): Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 68F/L, 65A/B, HN, 230X, HS, 42BX. 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

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

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.