Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Title: Registered Therapist Assistant

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Occupatnl Therapy Clinical Svs

Posting Number: 7535

Closing Date: 08/24/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-19

Salary Range: $4,850.00 - $6,335.66

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

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: San Antonio State Hospital

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO

Job Location Address: 6711 S NEW BRAUNFELS

Other Locations: San Antonio

MOS Codes: 230X,42BX,42NX,42TX,65A,65B,68F,68L,HM,HN,HS,SEI12

Brief Job Description:

Under the supervision of the Registered Occupational Therapist. Performs duties associated with this position. Plans and carries out occupational therapy programs that support rehabilitation needs of the patients as identified by the OT assessing the patients. The OT plan of care will encompass both physical and psychosocial needs. Coordinates care with other disciplines as indicated. Directs patient participation in selected skills and functional tasks to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance.

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 can require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location as needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1: Implements occupational therapy plan of care designed by the registered occupational therapist. Plans treatment sessions to meet patient goals/objectives. Communicates and collaborates regularly with the Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) to ensure treatment is meeting the patient needs. Conducts treatment in groups and/or individually, as indicated. Co-leads groups with OTR. Treatment interventions required will vary and include activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) work skills, leisure, recreation, social participation, sensory, cognition, and psychosocial. (20%)

EJF 2: Assists with assessment and screening of patient's functional skills. Assists OTR with selected components of the occupational therapy assessment within professional guidelines, as related to education, experience, and competency. Administers and scores the Allen Cognitive Level Screen according to standardized procedures.

EJF 3: Documents clinical observations and treatment/intervention outcomes in Avatar or paper record in accordance with hospital and Medicare documentation guidelines and time-frames. Completes the monthly report within specified timeframes. (15%)

EJF 4: Willingly and regularly accepts the responsibility to assist with providing occupational therapy students with clinical experience/opportunities. Completes all tasks associated with this responsibility in a timely manner. (15%)

EJF 5: Completes all required hospital training prior to due date and complete all required discipline specific continuing education for maintenance of state licensure/certification. Submits copy of community-based continuing education certificates obtained in the community to supervisor. (15%)

EJF 6: Participates in the Rehabilitation Therapies Department meetings and committees. Participates in hospital committees as assigned by supervisor. Attends all meetings/committees as required. Actively participates by providing relevant input concerning rehabilitation issues. When absent, is responsible for the information discussed in the meetings. Willingly accepts duties that support the mission of the hospital and Rehabilitation Therapies Department. (15%)

EJF 7: 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 can require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location as needed. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles of occupational therapy treatment and application to individuals with cognitive and mental health diagnoses.

Knowledge of current evidenced-based Occupational therapy practice.

Knowledge of Occupational Therapy professional code of ethics and practice standards.

Knowledge of methods of developing rapport in a manner which fosters dignity, trust and cooperation.

Knowledge of mental health diagnoses

Knowledge of the recovery process.

Knowledge of the group process and group dynamics.

Knowledge of health, safety and infection control

Knowledge of modalities appropriate for an inpatient mental health setting and the ability to adapt interventions in accordance with each patient's level of functioning, age and interests.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Skills to address maladaptive behaviors and de-escalate potentially aggressive behaviors.

Skill to instruct, lead, and perform a variety of skilled occupational therapy interventions, maximizing patient's functional abilities and occupational performance.

Skill to motivate and sustain patient participation in therapeutic rehabilitation programs.

Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Ability to produce reports, progress notes and assessments utilizing computer technology.

Ability to work well with staff, foster the team process, and assume leadership role as indicated.

Ability to physically and emotionally perform duties.

Ability to evaluate the effects of own actions quickly and effectively while working with patients.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) able to practice in the state of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

6 months of experience in occupational therapy work.

6 months of experience in a psychiatric setting and/or with special populations preferred.

Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major coursework in occupational therapy.

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 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 .... 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: San Antonio