Rehab Therapy Tech IV=Patient Services

About the Role

The Rehab Therapy Tech IV performs highly complex, senior‑level rehabilitative therapy work in the Therapeutic Recreation Department of Central Rehab at Vernon State Hospital. The position assists in developing, implementing, and executing planned rehabilitation programs, provides guidance and training to staff, and supports disaster response and continuity of operations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director and Assistant Director of Rehabilitation in screening, interviewing, and onboarding Rehabilitation Technicians.
• Facilitate and instruct patients in therapeutic activities such as interactive games, fitness, swimming, sports, creative crafts, arts, and team‑building exercises.
• Teach self‑care, independent living, and character‑building skills, including decision‑making, career planning, finances, health hygiene, etiquette, and citizenship.
• Maintain relationships with local colleges and community resources to schedule college visits, guest speakers, and educational events for patients.
• Observe and document patient behavior and participation in progress notes; assess group needs and select appropriate therapeutic activities.
• Train and mentor new Rehabilitation Technicians and provide ongoing guidance to existing staff.
• Operate a state vehicle to transport patients, ensuring vehicle checks, seat‑belt use, and completion of driving logs.
• Attend weekly department meetings, case formulation sessions, and overlap shifts to discuss patient needs.
• Organize special projects and events (e.g., dances, holiday parties, campus celebrations).
• Maintain and inventory rehabilitation equipment and supplies; obtain purchase approvals and ensure equipment is in good working condition.
• Research, develop, and obtain approval for new curriculum and lesson plans; document updates for treatment planning.
• Collaborate with patients’ treatment team coordinators to set and review recovery goals.
• Ensure therapeutic facilities, buildings, and sports complexes are clean, safe, and properly scheduled.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of rehabilitation methods, mental illness, and mental disabilities.
• Understanding of relevant regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to supervise and oversee the work of others.
• Proficiency with computer hardware and software.
• Skill in using therapeutic equipment, tools, and materials.
• Ability to evaluate patient participation and document progress accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Capability to instruct, train, and mentor staff and patients.

Licensure and Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days of hire); out‑of‑state licenses require a certified driving record.
• Certified in CPR (or obtain within six months of hire).
• Certified Rehab Therapy Technician (PTA) or obtain certification within one year, if required.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years’ experience working with individuals who have mental illness or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
• Preferred two years’ experience developing treatment and support plans for this population.

Additional Requirements

• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and required registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, LEIE).
• Male applicants ages 18‑25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years old; applicants for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth must be 21 years old.
• Flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, rotating or alternate shift patterns as needed.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital vaccination requirements; non‑influenza immunized employees may be required to wear a mask.

Benefits

• 100 % paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $3,649.83 – $4,594.50 per month (paid monthly).

Schedule

Day shift; not eligible for telework. May require overtime, extended hours, or rotating schedules based on agency needs.