THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES AIDE                                                                           L0865

Definition:

This is non-professional work in the field of therapeutic activities in an agency providing services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, or physical disabilities.

An employee in this class is responsible for carrying out various patient/resident activities related to recreational, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy for individuals or groups. Work involves providing instruction and assistance to patients/residents in carrying out therapeutic activities prescribed in individualized program plans. The employee assists professional therapeutic activities staff in organizing and conducting various therapeutic activities. The employee observes, reviews, and reports on the progress of patients/residents in achieving individualized goals in therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy. Work is performed with independence in accordance with prescribed procedures under the general supervision of a higher level supervisor who reviews work through observation, conferences, and reports.  

Examples of Work:

Carries out group or individual patient/resident activity sessions such as arts and crafts, picnics, trips, self-care skills training, activities of daily living training, musical activities, athletic games, exercises, leisure time activities, socialization activities, sensory stimulation as well as gross and fine motor activities, prevocational activities, sheltered employment, woodworking, assembly and packaging, and off-ground activities in therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, and/or occupational therapy.

Observes patient/resident behavior and records progress in the patients/residents medical records.

Participates in gathering data for the formal assessment of patients/residents strengths and needs and provides feedback to professional staff regarding therapeutic activities techniques needed to modify or maintain patient/resident functioning and/or behavior.

Participates in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary team meetings to report patient/resident progress in meeting therapeutic activity goals and objectives.

Escorts patients/residents to and from the activity area.

Ensures that the work area is free of hazards and instructs and assists patients/residents in appropriate safety practices and precautions in using supplies and equipment.

Participates in housekeeping functions within the activity area.

Participates in in-service training programs in therapeutic activities and health and safety, and participates in department/ unit staff meetings.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy, and/or vocational adjustment activities used in the treatment/habilitation of individuals with mental health conditions physical and intellectual disabilities.

Knowledge of the methods of conducting therapeutic activities and adapting them to meet individual needs and treatment/habilitation goals.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior, and effective ways of working with individuals and groups.

Knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of therapeutic activities programming for individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities or physical disabilities, including medical terminology.

Knowledge of the standards pertinent to job assignments, and health and safety requirements.

Knowledge of the equipment and supplies needed for the assigned activities, and their proper care and maintenance.

Knowledge of housekeeping operations, practices and materials used.

Skill necessary to conduct assigned therapeutic activities.

Ability to apply the basic principles and practices of recreation, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy, to the conduct of various therapeutic activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with patients/residents and to recognize patients/residents strengths, needs, and problems.

Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and accurate oral and written reports.

Ability to stimulate and maintain patients/residents interest and participation in assigned activities.

Ability to learn the principles and practices of recreation, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy.

Ability to provide instruction and assistance to patients in carrying out assigned therapeutic activities.

Ability to understand and interpret oral and written instructions.

Minimum Experience and Training:

Six months as an Aide Trainee;

or

One year of experience working with persons with mental or physical disabilities;

or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification – 1984

Evaluation Guide - 1986  

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST03