JOB TITLE: THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR

JOB CODE: 31960

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 administrative work directing therapeutic activities programs at a state-operated facility.

An employee in this job plans, manages, coordinates, integrates, and evaluates therapeutic activities programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Work involves coordinating all phases of therapeutic activities services with comprehensive treatment and rehabilitative or habilitative processes; developing and implementing program policies and procedures; evaluating program effectiveness; and directing training and development activities for staff. Supervision is exercised over professional and non-professional staff responsible for specialized areas of therapeutic activities services. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative supervisor and is reviewed through conferences and reports for quality and achievement of established objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is distinguished from the lower-level job based on responsibility for managing and overseeing all facility therapeutic programs.

     • Work involves supervising Therapeutic Activities Managers or other professional employees at Pay Scale Group 08 engaged in therapeutic work.

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 and supervises professional and non-professional staff providing therapeutic activities services, including therapeutic activities, therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, and occupational therapy.

• Develops, implements, interprets, and communicates policies and procedures governing the administration of all therapeutic activities services.

• Assesses the use of staff, equipment, and physical resources in the therapeutic process to effectively coordinate therapeutic activities for individuals.

• Develops, monitors, and reviews programmatic data to improve and adjust therapeutic activities provided to individuals.

• Communicates program changes and new initiatives to facility staff and individuals.

• Reviews and evaluates staff training needs, establishes and maintains in-service training programs, arranges for further education and training, and participates in the orientation training for new staff.

• Oversees and monitors contracted chaplaincy services.

• Consults with physicians and other staff in the development, implementation, and conduct of therapeutic activities services.

• Serves on committees and workgroups and participates in performance improvement activities and tasks.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties

• Employees in this job may participate in the work of their subordinates’ consistent with organizational and operational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY-LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theory and principles of therapeutic activities services used in the treatment and habilitation of individuals with physical, medical, or cognitive disabilities.

• Knowledge of the techniques used to motivate individuals to express interest and participation in a variety of activities.

• Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

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

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

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

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

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

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

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

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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

• Two years of experience as a Therapeutic Activities Manager (commonwealth title) or Vocational Adjustment Services Manager (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of experience as a Therapeutic Activities Supervisor (commonwealth title) or Vocational Adjustment Services Supervisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Five years of professional experience in providing therapeutic activities, therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, or habilitation services to individuals, including two years of professional supervisory experience; and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes two years of professional supervisory experience providing therapeutic activities, therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, or habilitation services.