Texas Behavioral Health Center

Join our team and help launch the first state psychiatric hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth, where innovative caregivers will make a lasting impact on behavioral health in Texas.

The Texas Behavioral Health Center is a newly completed state-funded psychiatric hospital opening in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District that is owned by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and operated by UT Southwestern Medical Center.

When fully operational, the 505,000-square-foot facility will house 292 beds – 200 for adult patients and 92 for children and adolescents. As DFW’s first state-funded behavioral health hospital, it is designed to deliver state-of-the-art, patient-centered care in a modern and healing environment. The center provides comprehensive behavioral health treatment and features private patient rooms, abundant access to natural light and nature, and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote recovery. The hospital will also provide training to all behavioral health disciplines.

As employees of UT Southwestern, team members will join a world-class academic medical center committed to patient-centered care, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing patients for successful reintegration into their families and communities. With competitive benefits and a mission-driven culture, Texas Behavioral Health Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on mental health care in North Texas. Learn more about Texas Behavioral Health Center here!

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 
 

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  Graduate from accredited Therapeutic Recreation Therapy program 
   

• Licenses and Certifications
  (CTRS) CER THERAPEUTC RECREATION SPEC – Certified as a CTRS by the NCTRC (National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification) Upon Hire 
   

Preferred

• Experience
  1 year experience 
   

JOB DUTIES

• Conducts job duties in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Develops rapport with patients and their families using approach congruent with that of health care team for purpose of obtaining maximum participation in activities.
• Develops activities plan reflecting cultural and religious interests of resident population and appeal to both men and women of all age groups. Posts activity plan for each resident in designated place within patient’s room. Provides in room activities for patients confined to or choosing to remain in their room. Plans activities that reflects interests and ability levels of patient.
• Determines and documents degree to which interventions achieve or enhance patient outcome.
• Accepts additional responsibility. Assists willingly in coverage of other patients. Facilitates or offers assistance in transport of patients to group activities.
• Advises manager of equipment needs so that appropriate items may be ordered in timely manner.
• Develops discharge recommendations reflecting patients’ interests and community resources available.
• Demonstrates knowledge of contra-indications and/or safety issues with various patient types and applies them to treatment.
• Instructs volunteers or staff in activities program plan. Solicits their help in working with patients on in-room activities.
• Organizes patient treatment time efficiently. Organizes unscheduled time efficiently. Assists in on-job training, education, and supervision of Physical Therapy technicians, students and/or nursing.
• Uses sound judgment in stressful and emergency situations involving patient, family, or staff. Represents hospital in professional manner at community function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.