Rehabilitation Teacher III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Rehabilitation Teacher III
Job Title: Rehabilitation Teacher III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Recreation Progs
Posting Number: 18819
Closing Date: 09/07/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $4,594.16- $5,921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Austin State Hospital
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 4C0X1

Brief Job Description:

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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.

Under the supervision of the Director of Rehabilitation or designee the Rehabilitation Teacher III performs highly complex (senior level) rehabilitation therapy work with patients in a forensic and/or psychiatric setting. The Rehabilitation Teacher III works with a multi-disciplinary team to develop programming in collaboration with patients. The Rehabilitation Teacher III has day-to-day oversight of programming as scheduled. The Rehabilitation Teacher III has no financial responsibility but is accountable for assigned property and inventory maintenance. Develops, implements, and evaluates psychosocial and psychoeducation sessions. Session evaluations capture data related to patient engagement and desired outcomes to provide to designated supervisor for analysis. Works under limited supervision, with considerable 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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.

Performs highly complex rehabilitation psychoeducation, psychosocial sessions for patients in a forensic and/or psychiatric setting, in order to provide scheduled and structured programming in the areas of education, vocation and independent living, socialization and recreation. Teaching to improve skills for individuals to promote successful recovery outcomes, quality of life activities, and continuity of care to support discharge from the hospital setting.

Conducts, in collaboration with other Education and Rehabilitation staff, a curriculum to prepare clients for successful reentry into a community setting upon discharge. This includes development of lesson content based on identified patient needs, strengths, interests, goals, objectives, interventions and identifying related instructional strategies.

Conducts an initial assessment with each patient admitted using the state approved Functional Skills Assessment. Assessor will collaborate with each patient to identify their recovery goals and they will be informed of programs available that support them in meeting their goals.

Attends and participates in scheduled person-centered recovery planning (PCRP) meetings to discuss the needs and personal recovery goals of everyone served, for inclusion in the recovery plan. Attends PCRP reviews discuss treatment information pertinent to each client's recovery.

Documents patient engagement and progress in treatment elements in the electronic medical records system in order to communicate with the recovery team in determining effectiveness of assigned programming in meeting treatment goals.

Provides information through various methods of communication, such as verbal reports, computers, meetings and written reports regarding status of job tasks and programming to the designated Supervisor.

Recognizes and responds to de-escalate patients who are activated. Responds effectively in crisis or psychiatric emergency situations using verbal de-escalation and the application of Treatment Intervention and Protection Strategies (TIPS) to ensure the health and safety of all persons. Communicates effectively with other team members to ensure a culture of safety that minimizes re-traumatization.

Plans outings to provide patients the opportunity to demonstrate skills learned and to provide opportunities to apply skills in a supported community setting. Facilitates patients access to activities, events, and other types of outings into the community.

Maintains work area in order to provide a safe, clean treatment environment for psychosocial, psychoeducation activities and sessions. Actively promotes safety through the continuous monitoring of the environment of care and active engagement of patients, to minimize unsafe situations, injuries and avoid re-traumatization.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the rehabilitative process, and of skills and adaptations necessary to provide relevant sessions for people with a range of abilities and cognitive, physical, and social challenges.

Knowledge of group dynamics and application to rehabilitation services.

To plan an individualized program of instruction with, or on behalf, of the client; to communicate effectively; and to understand the differences in approach, facilitation techniques to optimize client’s engagement.

Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques in the rehabilitative psychoeducational, psychosocial areas of specialization of providing services to/with people with mental health challenges and varied disabilities in a safe manner.

Knowledge of computer based medical records, ability to retrieve and print documents.

Ability to observe and identify significant patient behaviors and communicate and document in progress notes as accurately as possible to the patient’s story.

Ability to work with supervisor, co-workers, and follow established policy and procedures.

Ability to maintain inventory of supplies needed for activities/services.

Ability to teach a wide variety of leisure, social, independent living skills and educate patients the value and role of recreation/leisure activities and social engagement.

Ability to continually present self as a role model to all persons in contact with.

Ability to demonstrate effective skills and techniques in motivating patient participation. Can establish and maintain a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation among patients and staff.

Ability to describe and demonstrate validation, creativity, consistency, genuineness, enthusiasm, and different roles in relating to patients.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

None

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major casework in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field and a minimum of six months experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field required.

OR

Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience IN rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field required.

OR

No degree and a minimum of four years of experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field required.

AND

Two years of experience in social and rehabilitative services work or in teaching and counseling persons with mental health challenges, varied disabilities.

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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). 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 and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

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 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC .

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 View phone number on aiapply.co. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.