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Functional Title: Rehab Therapy Tech III Lifeguard
Job Title: Rehab Therapy Tech III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Recreation
Posting Number: 19780
Closing Date: 09/04/2026
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: Evenings (Second)
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: Mexia State Supported Living Center
Job Location City: MEXIA
Job Location Address: 540 CHAPEL DRIVE
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 4C0X1,65A,65B,66C,66R,68F,68L,HM
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!
The Rehabilitation Therapy Technician (RTT), Lifeguard performs moderately complex habilitative and rehabilitative therapy work and ensures the safety of swimmers at the SSLC’s swimming pool. Provides assistance to therapists for aquatic therapy and other assigned therapeutic specialty, (e.g., music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, or vocational /day programming). Plans, develops, and implements aquatic activities. Provides direct contact instruction/training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their treatment plans for aquatic therapy and other specialty areas as needed. Trains others to ensure continuity of treatment plans. Monitors water activities, enforces safety regulations, and responds promptly to emergencies or incidents. Performs rescues, administers first aid and CPR as needed, and maintains clean and safe facilities. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a state vehicle may be required. Works under the general supervision of a Registered Therapist, or Vocational/Day Programming Supervisor with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position is required to drive a state-owned vehicle.
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.
Ensures the safety of swimmers at the SSLC’s swimming pool. Monitors swimming areas to prevent accidents and responds quickly to emergencies. Enforces pool rules and educate individuals about water safety. Performs rescues and provide first aid and CPR when necessary.
Inspects and maintains pool safety equipment and report environmental hazards through the appropriate processes. Keeps the pool facility clean and assists with other operational tasks related to the pool as needed.
Plans aquatic and other recreational activities that are enjoyed by persons with a variety of skills, abilities, and interests. 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 aquatic therapy and , as needed, other 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 Direct Support Professionals (DSP’s) to ensure continuity and follow through of treatment plan objectives during hours when Therapists or RTTs are not available and depending on SSLC needs. Monitors the implementation of the program objectives by the DSP’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.
Provides feedback to the team about the individual’s progress, works with Direct Support Professionals (DSP) to maintain a connection and assists with the development of treatment plans for the assigned discipline.
Maintains current skills in relation to assigned responsibilities, including Lifeguard certification, and CPR/First Aid.
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 and skills in relevant therapeutic techniques (e.g., applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, etc).
Knowledge of water safety regulations, rescue procedures, CPR and first aid protocols, and pool safety standards.
General knowledge, or ability to gain knowledge, of ICF/IID regulations and state supported living center policies and procedures.
Skill in swimming, surveillance and hazard recognition, rescue response, and first aid administration.
Skills in communicating with others.
Ability to remain alert for extended periods, make quick decisions in emergencies, work calmly under pressure, and maintain physical stamina in a swimming pool.
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 meet the same physical requirements as those for direct contact staff positions.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Requires current Lifeguard certification, or the ability to obtain it within 2 months of hire.
Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required. 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
Initial Screening Criteria:
At least six months of work experience in one of the following areas:
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Working with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, or
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Performing therapeutic work, or
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Working as Lifeguard.
Preferred:
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High school diploma or GED
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Experience in the areas of applied behavior analysis, sensory integration, music therapy, therapeutic recreation, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, psychology, and/ or vocational rehabilitation is preferred.
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Experience in the development of treatment and support plans for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is 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 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.
