THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITIES AIDE SUPERVISOR  L0866

Definition: This is non-professional work of a supervisory nature 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 supervises the conduct of various patient/resident activities related to recreational, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy for individuals or groups. Work involves supervising Therapeutic Activities Aides in carrying out therapeutic activities prescribed in individualized program plans. The employee assists professional therapeutic activities staff in organizing, conducting, and supervising various therapeutic activities. The employee observes the work of subordinate staff and gives direction and assistance. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed procedures under the supervision of a therapeutic activities professional who reviews work through observation, conferences, and reports.

Examples of Work: Supervises Therapeutic Activity Aides and participates in conducting 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, pre-vocational activities, sheltered employment, woodworking, assembly and packaging, and off-ground activities in therapeutic recreation, vocational adjustment, and/or occupational therapy.

Prepares and signs employee performance evaluations.

Interviews prospective employees and recommends employee selection or ranks applicants in terms of preferability for employment.

Receives grievances and complaints, conducts initial investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with employee, and resolves complaints or recommends solutions.

Receives, reviews, and approves or disapproves leave requests.

Communicates contractual and administrative rights and obligations to employees and modifies work environment or processes to conform to changing conditions.

Participates in and evaluates the effectiveness of staff development programs to develop and enhance supervisory skills.

Identifies training needs of staff; evaluates and initiates training recommendations and appraises the effects of training on overall performance of staff; plans and conducts on-the-job training; and demonstrates more efficient work methods.

Assists in planning classroom instruction and on-the-job training for Aide Trainees.

Counsels subordinate aides regarding problems and requires that individual behavior problems be reported promptly, accurately and adequately.

Evaluates interpersonal relationships between patients/residents and subordinate aides, intervenes when necessary, and resolves all but the most serious difficulties, which are referred to an administrative superior.

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

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.

Makes adequate provision for escorting patients/residents to and from the activity area, and for the personal needs and safety of patients/residents while in the activity area.

Ensures that the work area is free of hazards and instructs and assists subordinate aides in appropriate safety practices and precautions.

Inspects housekeeping functions for adherence to established standards.

Participates in in-service training programs in therapeutic activities, health and safety, and related matters.

Participates in departmental/unit or 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 and 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 management, practices, and materials used.

Knowledge of the principles of supervision.

Skill in applying the basic principles and practices of recreation, vocational adjustment, or occupational therapy, to the conduct and supervision of various therapeutic activities.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective communications with patients/residents and in recognizing patients/residents strengths, needs and problems.

Skill in maintaining records and preparing 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 residents in carrying out assigned therapeutic activities.

Ability to understand and interpret oral and written instructions.

Ability to cope perceptively with day-to-day problems, resolve all but the most serious difficulties, and counsel subordinates.

Ability to supervise aides, schedule and evaluate work assignments, evaluate work performance, and maintain pertinent records.

Minimum Experience and Training: Two years of experience as a Therapeutic Activities Aide;

or

Three years 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