03/22/2008 30011

SRTP AIDE

DEFINITION:

This is non-professional work providing for the care and treatment of individuals who are committed to the Sexual Responsibility and Treatment Program (SRTP) within the Department of Public Welfare.

An employee in this job provides for the care and supervision of SRTP individuals requiring security, treatment and specialized program services who are committed under legislative Act 21. Work is characterized by working with residents on a day-to-day basis to provide the behavior management and controls that are necessary for creating safety and implementing treatment services. Work involves providing instruction and assistance to residents in order to carry out therapeutic activities and other daily tasks as prescribed in the individual treatment plan; confronting residents on problem behaviors in an effort to help them identify and problem solve to decrease or eliminate occurrences; securing and observing restroom, shower, bedroom, and other scheduled activities; assisting professional staff in implementing the individual treatment plan; reporting and documenting the resident’s behavior and incidents; and providing physical care, security and supervision of the residents’ daily activities including waking, personal hygiene, eating, recreating, work assignments, treatment groups and other programmed activities. Work also includes securing and escorting residents to on and off grounds medical appointments, court hearings, and special activities. Work is performed under the supervision of a professional staff member and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Assists professional staff in implementing the individual treatment plan developed as part of the SRTP requirements by supervising the daily activities of residents who require specialized 6treatment and services.

Supervises, observes, instructs and secures residents in their daily activities such as personal hygiene, eating, recreating, performing work assignments, and treatment and programmed activities.

Communicates with residents regarding their problem behaviors and provides instruction and guidance to individuals in developing acceptable and responsible behaviors.

Assists professional staff in implementing and recommending modifications to the individual treatment plan by observing and reporting behavioral changes on a daily basis and participating in treatment team meetings.

Instructs and provides guidance on the resident’s daily housekeeping duties such as cleaning and caring for furnishings and maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment.

Monitors outgoing telephone calls and visits.

Conducts searches on the residents and visitors before and after visits to ensure residents do not receive contraband.

Completes reports, logs, shift summaries and forms in order to maintain accurate records of daily observations of resident’s progress in meeting treatment program and individual goals.

Maintains order by intervening with disruptive residents and being alert and responsive to emergencies and utilizing appropriate restraint techniques to maintain safety, control aggressiveness and maintain a safe and secure environment.

Maintains security and safety by checking windows and screens, searching resident rooms, and reporting deficiencies to ensure staff and residents’ personal safety.

Secures and escorts residents to on and off grounds medical appointments, therapeutic activities, court hearings, and special activities.

Attends various in-service training programs to supplement knowledge and skills in working with sexual offenders, mental health issues, specialized treatments, and health and safety issues.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the behavior and treatment of persons with mental health issues.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to read and understand written materials.

Ability to communicate effective orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

One year as a Psychiatric or Therapeutic Activities Aide;

                                                                                                                                       or

Eighteen (18) months of experience in the care, activities and personal guidance of individuals in a behavioral, educational or community-based program.