Rehabilitation Teacher II

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (100% for employee)

Pension plan

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) is seeking a Rehabilitation Teacher II for Vernon State Hospital, TX. The role focuses on psychoeducation, rehabilitation activities, and independent living skills for clients in an Extended Forensic Treatment Program (EFTP).

The position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, adherence to recovery plans, and compliance with safety and documentation standards. Regular attendance and potential overtime may apply.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or related field (preferred).
• Experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education or related field.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly and may follow a specific shift schedule.
• Leads activity-based psychoeducation and psychosocial programs for clients.
• Instructs clients in wellness activities including exercise, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and coping skills.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary team to teach skills for independent living.
• Prepares supplies and materials for activities and events; maintains documentation in medical records.

Skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation or related field

Job description

Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location: VERNON, 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: Rehabilitation Teacher II
• Job Title: Rehabilitation Teacher II
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: MaxSecPsych Psychology
• Posting Number: 21926
• Closing Date: 12/30/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
• Salary Range: $4,094.50 - $5,094.16
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-16
• Shift: Day
• 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: Vernon State Hospital
• Job Location City: VERNON
• Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR
• Other Locations: Vernon
• MOS Codes: 4C0X1

Brief Job Description

Rehabilitation Teacher II on Extended Forensic Treatment Program (EFTP) 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. Assists in the development of and independently leads activity-based functional psychoeducation, psychosocial programs and special events relevant for client population. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team to teach skills necessary for clients' achievement of independent living. Instructs clients in wellness activities to include, but not limited to, exercise, arts and crafts, outdoor sports, coping skills, social skills, medication management, diagnosis education, pre-vocational, and identifying support systems. Selects activities based on patient function, abilities, strengths, and interests. Services are provided individually and in groups. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams using feedback loops of Person-Centered Recovery Plan meetings and hand-off communication to provide feedback on patient engagement and response to interventions in order to modify or enhance treatment plan goals, objectives and update interventions. Assists Rehab Director or designated supervisor in development of teaching materials, session plans, and methods of implementation to assist in development of patient independent living and other recovery skills. Responsibly prepares supplies, equipment, and materials for scheduled activities / special events. Submits purchase requests to replenish stock of supplies, equipment, and materials as needed. Completes all relevant documentation in computer-based medical record as required by policy in a timely manner and with required format. Documents accordingly based on each person’s recovery goals, objectives, interventions, and outcomes. Progress notes are completed within JC, CMS, facility, and department guidelines. Attends all required scheduled programmatic in-services to maintain compliance with program standards. Complete all required annual training and attends trainings relevant to the work when able. Demonstrate and mentor safety as a personal responsibility and comply with all established safety rules, regulations, and procedures to include following the SDS procedure, monitoring sharps, disinfecting equipment, storing equipment correctly, and purchase requests include non-toxic and ligature free supply requests. 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.

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 is generally preferred, and a minimum of six months experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field.
• Associate degree and a minimum of twelve months’ experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education.
• No degree and a minimum of three years of experience in rehabilitation, psychology, sociology, social work, education, or a related field required.
• One year of experience in social and rehabilitative services work or in teaching and counseling people 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 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: Wichita Falls