Registered Therapist V - Director of Rehabilitation - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)

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Functional Title: Registered Therapist V - Director of Rehabilitation - State Hospital - Maximum Security Unit (MSU)
Job Title: Registered Therapist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Psychology
Posting Number: 19851
Closing Date: 11/08/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Salary Range: $8,592.89- $11,864.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-27
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: HARLINGEN
Job Location Address: 1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 230X,42BX,42NX,42TX,65A,65B,68F,68L,HM,HN,HS,SEI12

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.

The Registered Therapist V performs highly advanced (senior level) therapeutic rehabilitation work. Responsibilities include conducting and overseeing highly advanced rehabilitation activities in an inpatient psychiatric mental health environment. The Registered Therapist V is tasked with supervising and executing the development, implementation, and administration of all rehabilitation programs. Additionally, the Registered Therapist V reviews the policy and procedure manual along with patient information materials. They actively participate as a collaborative member in various councils, teams, and committees. manage and supervise a skilled workforce that is proficient in delivering exceptional, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care. Operates with extensive latitude and freedom to exercise personal initiative and make independent judgments.

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.

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.

Oversees and ensures programming is evidenced-based, recovery oriented, trauma informed, and relevant to preparing patients for healthy living in the least restrictive environment by observing and evaluating the therapeutic staff. Quality Assurance assessments are conducted quarterly on all unlicensed Rehab Therapy technicians under the direct supervision of the Registered Therapist V by the Registered Therapist V on all classroom instruction and patient documentation.

Assures that patients' cultural and/or other special needs of patients who attend Central Rehabilitation classes and activities are formally addressed so that he or she can fully participate in rehabilitation activities. This accomplished by instruction and printed Competency information that is provided for patients with language, competency level challenges. One on one sessions are also utilized to assure this process is executed properly.

Reviews policy and procedure manual and any patient information (handouts, educational material, electronic media, etc.) is current, recovery oriented, individualized, and adheres to the Texas Administrative Code, Agency Rules and Regulations, and established hospital policies and procedures.

Serves as a collaborating member on assigned councils, teams, forums, and committees to enhance the quality of care for persons served and to promote the partnership between Central Rehabilitation Services and internal and external stakeholders. Chairs multiple committees and teams including but not limited to the Wellness Committee and Central Rehabilitation Services Quality Improvement team.

Maintains and supervises a program workforce who are competent in the provision of high quality, recovery orientated, trauma informed patient centered care. The Registered Therapist V engages in regular morning meetings, conducts in-service meetings, leads trainings, and oversees the Quality Improvement Team (QIT) meetings to help ensure staff of the Central Rehabilitation Services Building, Client Worker Program, Greenhouse, and Village Square areas are providing the most therapeutic programming possible for patients served.

Oversees the development, implementation, and management of all rehabilitation services including Adult Education, Client Worker Program, Psychosocial Education, and Therapeutic Rehabilitation in the Central Rehabilitation Programs of the General Psychiatric Campus.. Provides consultation and collaboration among departments, units, recovery teams and administration to establish an active rehabilitation department with patient goals/objectives based on recovery needs.

Utilizes patient input to improve services by providing Quarterly Patient Satisfactory Surveys to all areas that the Registered Therapist V oversees. Attendance is also analyzed as a factor of class effectiveness. Both the surveys, attendance, and observations are utilized to evaluate the progress or success of the classroom environment and experience. Any alterations and/or modifications to the classroom instruction or environment are established based of those three factors.

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 principles and techniques of rehabilitation therapy in working with the following patient populations: mentally ill, cognitively impaired (TBI, learning disabled, Alzheimer's, dementia), physically challenged, functionally impaired, and /or with infectious disease.

Knowledge of approved methods of facilitating, instructing, interacting, and supervising patients

Knowledge of behavior modification techniques

Knowledge of recovery/trauma-informed care (TIC)

Knowledge of an electronic medical record system

Knowledge of department policies and procedures

Knowledge of health, safety, infection control, and quality improvement

Skills in the application and use of tools, orthopedic equipment, materials, or skills common to the occupational therapy

Skills in evaluation, treatment planning, and documentation of patient progress

Skills in the use of computers and applicable software

Ability to plan, develop, implement, and facilitate treatment focused therapy groups or one to one treatment.

Ability to coordinate program activities.

Ability to motivate and sustain patients’ interest in rehabilitation groups and activities.

Ability to observe, evaluate, communicate, and document patient progress.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to interact with staff and patients effectively.

Ability to train, instruct, and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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.

Must be a licensed or credentialed therapist in one of the therapy specialties. Current national registration, state licensure, or certification as required by law in the therapeutic specialty for which the Registered Therapist is to work.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major coursework in one of the recognized therapeutic rehabilitation disciplines such as physical therapy, art therapy, music therapy, dance movement, recreation, or drama, occupational or speech.

Related psychiatric patient or therapy training or five years of experience in a psychiatric setting and /or with special populations.

Five years of experience providing occupational therapy services to Children or Adolescents or Adults, or Senior Adults.

Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish

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.