JOB TITLE: THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES MANAGER

JOB CODE: 31950

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Therapeutic Activities job series describes work in developing, implementing, and evaluating therapeutic activities programs as part of an overall treatment and habilitation plan for individuals who receive services at state operated facilities.

DEFINITION: This is professional and managerial work in directing the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of therapeutic activities programs to improve, enhance, and retain participants’ highest level of personal, psychosocial, and physical functioning.

An employee in this job manages, through supervisory staff, the planning, delivery, and evaluation of therapeutic activities to implement individual program plan objectives in a state operated facility. Work involves developing policies and procedures for the implementation and delivery of therapeutic activities and overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of therapeutic activities that overlap or combine various aspects of therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, or vocational adjustment services. Work also involves overseeing the therapeutic activity assessment process; the development of therapeutic activities in the context of multi-disciplinary team environments; and the evaluation and coordination of therapeutic activities with other professional workers and nonprofessional staff. Supervision is exercised over a staff of therapeutic activities supervisors, workers, and aides. Work is performed independently under general supervision and is reviewed through conferences and reports by a professional or administrative supervisor for quality and achievement of therapeutic activities program goals.

   DISTINGUISIHG CHARACTERISTCS:

     • Work is differentiated from the lower level job based on the responsibility for managing program development and operation and supervising therapeutic activities supervisors, workers, and aides engaged in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of therapeutic activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Directs, coordinates, plans, and implements a comprehensive therapeutic activities program.

• Formulates goals and objectives to ensure that therapeutic activities are provided as efficiently and effectively as possible to meet individuals’ treatment goals and objectives.

• Evaluates and assesses the effectiveness of the therapeutic activities program and implements changes to address deficiencies.

• Develops and implements a quality assurance program to ensure that therapeutic activities meet accrediting and regulatory standards and are consistent with industry best practices.

• Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure the quality of care for individuals receiving therapeutic services.

• Oversees the provision of staff training through in-service training programs and other means to maintain quality and fulfillment of individuals’ needs for therapeutic activities and volunteer services.

• Consults with other professionals on the development and implementation of therapeutic activities.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theory and principles of therapeutic activities disciplines such as therapeutic recreation; occupational therapy; vocational adjustment services; or art, music, or dance therapies used in the treatment and habilitation of individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities.

• Knowledge of behavioral, habilitative, and developmental principles and practices, and their application to daily living situations.

• Knowledge of medical terminology relevant to recreational therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational therapy.

• Knowledge of the types and specifications of equipment and supplies needed for therapeutic activities, and their proper care and maintenance.

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of in-service training programs pertinent to therapeutic activities, and of out-service training resources.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to identify individual recreational, vocational, or social needs based on assessment, observation, and communication.

• Ability to utilize clinical and program data in planning, evaluating, and implementing therapeutic activities programs.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as a Therapeutic Activities Supervisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional experience providing therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities, one of which must be supervisory; and a bachelor’s degree with major coursework in therapeutic recreation; physical education; vocational rehabilitation; vocational education or counseling; art, music, dance, or occupational therapies; or a related human services field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional supervisory experience providing therapeutic activities for individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• All candidates for positions in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs must possess, at time of application, active certification as an Activity Director Certified (ADC) or Activity Consultant Certified (ACC) as issued by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP); or valid certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) as issued by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRCRC).