Recovery Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Big Spring (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is hiring a Recovery Specialist for Big Spring State Hospital. The role focuses on leading therapeutic activities and developing recovery-oriented programs for patients with mental health needs.

You will collaborate with diverse teams to deliver engaging therapies and wellness activities. Candidates should have an associate degree in rehabilitation and two years of related experience, plus CPR certification within six months.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Two years of experience navigating mental health, substance use and interfacing with the criminal justice system preferred.
• Completion of an associate degree in the rehabilitation area preferred.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle.
• Certified in CPR within six months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule, rotating schedule, extended shift or overtime.
• Independently leads and assists in developing activity-based functional and recreational groups for the patient population.
• Modifies, integrates, and implements programming for patients with diverse disabilities and cognitive levels.
• Develops curriculum and coordinates planned programming to enhance patients’ independence and wellness.
• Provides training to staff, patients, students and volunteers, including WRAP education.

Skills

Therapeutic programming

Group facilitation

Patient activity coordination

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in rehabilitation

Job description

Career Opportunities: Recovery Specialist (23071)

Posting ID23071-Posted11/05/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-Adm AcuteCarePsych Social Svs-Healthcare Support-Big Spring State Hospital-Not Eligible for Telework- Other Locations (1) - Additional Shifts available (1) -b. $3000 - $4999 per month

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: Recovery Specialist
• Job Title: Recovery Specialist
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Social Svs
• Posting Number: 23071
• Closing Date: 02/03/2027
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
• Salary Range: $3,649.83-$4,594.50
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-14
• 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: Nonexempt
• Facility Location: Big Spring State Hospital
• Job Location City: BIG SPRING
• Job Location Address: 1901 N HIGHWAY 87
• Other Locations: Big Spring
• MOS Codes: 4C0X1,65A,65B,66C,66R,68F,68L,HM

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.

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.

Independently leads and assists in the development of activity-based functional and recreational groups using previous lived experience and relevant tasks for patient population. Schedules and instructs patients in therapeutic/wellness activities to include, but not limited to, exercise, arts and crafts, and outdoor sports. Coordinates hospital-wide activities independently or as a team with other departments.

Effectively modifies, integrates, and implements programming for people with a wide variety of disabilities, cognitive levels, and behavioral issues in the therapeutic setting. Selects activities based on patient function, abilities, strengths, and interests. Establishes and maintains a relaxed atmosphere of cooperation among patients and staff while in the therapeutic setting.

Overseas the development of curriculum and coordination of planned programming for the patients served. Coordinates and evaluates activities such as aiding in gaining patient independence and life skill activities to enhance and to maintain patients’ maximum mental wellness. Serve as a role model who shares personal strengths and skills as well as the message that recovery is possible.

Develops and provides training and continuing education to other staff, patients, students, and volunteers, as assigned. Teaching unique curriculum such as Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to improve and enhance the wellness of the facility at large. Support patients in building personal skills and confidence through telling your own stories of recovering and moving forward in life.

Prepares materials for therapeutic activities and groups and maintains an adequate supply of materials. Maintains inventory and orders supplies, when necessary. Assures all equipment is checked out and returned by staff using equipment. Operates a state vehicle and transports clients as assigned. Assures policies and procedures are followed regarding driving and transporting patients.

Observes the patient’s behavior in response to activities and groups, level of participation, and progress and communicates the information to enhance treatment activities and goals. Completes all documentation in computer-based medical record as required. Completes monthly reports of patients served and activities presented.

Participates in the hospitals performance improvement program by attending meetings, attending treatment teams as an advocate for patients by request, and serving on committees and special workgroups. Assists in the development of plans of correction when deficiencies and standards are identified. Presents at new employee orientations.

Ensures all assigned therapeutic facilities are kept clean and safe for patients served. Demonstrates safety and complies with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures to include monitoring sharps, infection control, and disinfecting equipment, etc. Support participants in finding community opportunities, resources, and destinations that match their own interests and hopes for the future.

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 standards, policies, and procedures

Knowledge of the rehabilitative process and of skills and adaptations necessary for engagement and optimal performance

Strong working knowledge of group dynamics and application to recovery

Knowledge in the rehabilitative therapy specialization area of mental illness and mental disabilities and safe application of knowledge to the provision of planned activities

Skills in observing and identifying patient behavior.

Skills in utilizing recreation and leisure activities.

Skills in the use of equipment, tools, and materials used in therapeutic service activities.

Ability to provide rehabilitative therapy.

Ability to work collaboratively with treatment team members and other staff.

Ability to assess patients’ functional levels.

Ability to plan an individualized program of instruction with, or on behalf, of the patient.

Ability to prepare concise reports.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to train others.

Ability and willingness to speak publicly to groups.

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.

Certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or within six months of hire date.

Certified Rehab Therapy Technician (PTA) or obtain within one year may be required.

Initial Screening Criteria

Two years’ experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Two years of experience navigating mental health, substance use and interfacing with the criminal justice system preferred.

Completion of an associate degree in the rehabilitation area preferred.

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.

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 tothose 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 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.

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.