Recreation Program Specialist III - Vocational Manager

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) invites you to join a team dedicated to improving wellness and independence for Texans at the Austin State Supported Living Center. The Recreation Program Spec III role oversees vocational programs, supervises staff, and plans activities, reporting to the Director of Vocational Services.

This full-time position requires strong leadership and experience in rehabilitation and program coordination.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of vocational programs and related regulations.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and oversee vocational activities and staff.
• Experience in rehabilitation therapy or vocational services management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instructs and oversees staff in performing vocational activities.
• Reviews clients' progress and recommends changes to activities.
• Oversees vocational program planning and scheduling at the Austin State Supported Living Center.
• Develops orientations and in-service trainings for staff.
• Prepares activity and progress reports for vocational programs.
• Participates in disaster response or COOP activities as needed.

Skills

Vocational program knowledge

Staff supervision

Program planning

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Date: Aug 20, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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: Recreation Program Specialist III - Vocational Manager
Job Title: Recreation Program Spec III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Vocational Serv Administration
Posting Number: 20224
Closing Date: 10/19/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Office and Administrative Support
Salary Range: $3,793.41 - $5,921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day

Additional Shift

Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 0919,3F1X1

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Recreation Program Spec III - Performs highly complex duties and works as a manager over vocational areas. Will be supervised by the Director of Vocational. Work involves mentoring, supervising, reports, meetings, planning, scheduling, and overseeing vocational programs at Austin State Supported Living Center. Will plan, assign, and supervise the work of others. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Instructs and oversees staff in performing vocational activities.


• Reviews clients' progress, notes changes in clients' behavior, and recommends changes of activities as appropriate.


• Reviews each center's program to determine adequacy and need for changes.


• Reviews plans for specialized rehabilitation therapy activities.


• Employs security measures in planning and overseeing vocational activities.


• Requisitions and purchases of supplies.


• Plans, schedules, and oversees a variety of individuals programming.


• Plans, develops, and conducts orientations and in-service training programs.


• Prepares activity and progress reports on vocational programs and activities.


• Implements and evaluates therapeutic and vocational programs and activities.


• May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.


• Performs related work as assigned.


• Other duties as assigned including but 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

None

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and methods related to a wide variety of vocational programs.


• Ability to plan, schedule, and oversee a vocational area; to oversee the maintenance of supplies and facilities; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to assign and/or supervise the work of others.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience in rehabilitation therapy or vocational activities work.

High School diploma required. Experience in the management and coordination of vocational services with geriatric clients. Experience in staff supervision and coordination, personnel management, program planning and evaluations, standards compliance, and interdepartmental relations. Experience in completing complex tasks.

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 Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).


• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.


• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.


• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.


• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.


• 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 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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin