Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

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 (COTA)
Job Title: Registered Therapist II - COTA
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Occupatnl Therapy Clinical Svs
Posting Number: 22915
Closing Date: 11/29/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Healthcare Support
Salary Range: $5,979.13 - $7,253.83
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21
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: 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

This position is located on the Maximum Security Unit.

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.

Registered Therapist II applies professional knowledge in carrying out appropriate treatment programs as established by a therapist. Assists in design and performs designated therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed Therapist. Assists staff therapists in initial and periodic evaluation. Supervises therapy activities and staff during the absence of therapists. Performs monitoring, treatments, in-service instruction, and other duties in conjunction with the Physical therapy Programs. Completes appropriate documentation. Assists in fabrication and maintenance of assistive equipment and assists with construction/fabrication of adaptive/orthopedic/or communication equipment. Works under supervision with limited latitude for the use of independent judgment and use of initiative.

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 requested 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 habilitation testing, programming, and reporting of clinical services.

Administers individualized habilitation program plans.

Implements treatment protocols to treat, improve, or maintain patients’ level of function.

Interviews individuals/staff and renders therapeutic treatments to patients.

Assists in provision of therapeutic equipment production, maintenance, and repair program.

Participates in conferences for treatment planning.

Performs training programs for both patients and staff.

Participates in quality assurance and quality enhancement activities related to therapeutic services provisions at the local level.

Participates in student internships or other educational/programs.

Supervises the work of others.

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 evaluation, design, and fabrication of assistive/therapeutic/mobility or communication equipment.

Ability to learn/practice good team interaction and management skills.

Ability to interact with patients living at the State Hospital in a manner which fosters dignity, trust, and confidence.

Ability to demonstrate appropriate and effective written, oral, and nonverbal communication with individuals, their families, State Hospital staff and the public.

Ability to teach team members to perform selected treatment and/or functional activities including equipment in-services and PNMP procedure.

Ability to implement therapeutic programs and modify treatment within scope of licensure requirements.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) able to practice in the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduate of a two-year program of study which meets standards of and is accredited by the Commission on

Accreditation for Physical or Occupational Therapy Education.

One year of experience working with 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 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.