Therapy Technician III

Texas Health and Human Services; Rusk (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Rusk, TX is seeking a Rehab Therapy Technician III to support therapists across multiple specialties. The role involves direct patient contact, assisting with therapy plans, and training staff to ensure continuity of care.

The position requires a valid Texas driver’s license and adherence to state hospital policies. The RTT III works under supervision within a multidisciplinary team at Rusk State Hospital, contributing to recovery-oriented

Qualifications

• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques (e.g., ABA, sensory integration).
• Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
• Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with people who exhibit aggressive behavior.
• Ability to meet physical requirements for direct contact staff.

Responsibilities

• Attends work regularly and may work a specific or rotating shift.
• Implements treatment plans through hands-on methods and monitors goals.
• Assists in development and evaluation of treatment plans for assigned therapeutic specialty.
• Assists with functional skills assessments and material preparation.
• Schedules and trains staff to ensure continuity of treatment plan objectives.
• Keeps documentation updated to meet standards and reports progress to the team.

Skills

Therapy techniques

Staff training

Communication

Data collection

Computer software

CPR

Handling aggression

Job description

Date: Oct 9, 2026

Location: RUSK, 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.

Job Details

Functional Title: Therapy Technician III
Job Title: Rehab Therapy Tech III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: MaxSecPsych Direct Care
Posting Number: 22237
Closing Date: 10/23/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Salary Range: $3,047.58 - $4,149.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-12
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: Rusk State Hospital
Job Location City: RUSK
Job Location Address: 805 N DICKINSON DR
Other Locations: Rusk
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.

The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (RTT) performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work. Provides assistance to therapists for an assigned therapeutic specialty, (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational /day programming). Provides direct contact instruction/training for patients on their treatment plans for the RTT’s assigned therapeutic specialty. Trains others to ensure continuity of treatment plans. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle may be required. Works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, Psychologist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor with moderate 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 required 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.
• Directly implements treatment plans through "hands on" methods, monitors treatment goals and objectives through direct contact observation.
• Assists in the development and evaluation of treatment plans for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).
• Assists the assigned therapist or vocational/day programming supervisor in conducting functional skills assessments (e.g., preparing materials for assessments, reviewing prior assessments, conducting direct contact observations).
• Schedules, assists with and/or provides staff training to Psychiatric Nurse Assistants (PNA’s) to ensure continuity and follow through of treatment plan objectives during hours when Therapists or RTTs are not available and depending on SH needs.
• Monitors the implementation of the program objectives by the PNA’s, gathers data and report this to the interdisciplinary team as well as the therapist or supervisor overseeing their respective discipline.
• Ensures the satisfactory completion of paperwork in program related areas in order to meet applicable standards and procedures.
• Ensures the collection of data related to treatment plans in order to accurately assess the individual’s progress.
• Participates in the interdisciplinary team process including providing information regarding the results of functional skills assessments and response to interventions as well as the results of monitoring and staff training efforts as mentioned above.
• Provides feedback to the team about the individual’s progress, works with PNA’s to maintain a connection and assists with the development of treatment plans for the assigned discipline.
• Maintains Current Skills In Relation To Assigned Responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include 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 and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques (e.g., applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, etc.).
• Knowledge of how to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission/Behavioral Health regulations and state hospital policies and procedures.
• Ability to train staff in treatment methods and related areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to assist in development of treatment and support plans.
• Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).
• Ability to utilize personal computers and relevant software.
• Ability to make accurate notes of an observation session and to write reports.
• Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems for assigned therapeutic specialty (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational rehabilitation).
• Ability to administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Ability to work with people who exhibit aggressive behavior.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements as those for direct contact staff positions.
• Skill in working cooperatively and effectively with others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required or preferred. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s 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 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or obtain within 12 months.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Eighteen (18) months experience working with people who have mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Eighteen (18) months experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities 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