SENIOR THERAPY PROGRAM ASSISTANT
DEFINITION:
Under the general supervision of a professional therapist or other supervisory official in a state department, facility, institution, or agency, has charge of assigned activities within a program of recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, or applied behavioral analysis therapy; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Has charge of implementing designated therapy program activities such as recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis.
Leads a group of therapy program assistants, therapy aides, or other subprofessional staff engaged in the work activities of a therapy unit by leading and instructing employees and assigning work.
Leads client groups in therapeutic activities, including occupational, physical, recreational, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis techniques and exercises.
Schedules clients' daily activities as outlined in their treatment plans or individual habilitation plans (IHPs).
Teaches clients vocational skills and proper work habits.
Creates, organizes, and maintains work areas for clients.
Leads clients in arts and crafts techniques and in the use of equipment for activities such as sewing, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, weaving, basketry, woodworking, rug-making, ceramics, and other related activities.
Ensures that therapeutic materials and equipment are available for clients’ use.
Prepares, maintains, and distributes materials for arts and crafts activities.
Operates and maintains recreational, physical, and/or occupational therapy equipment.
Directs clients in recreational and play therapy activities, such as organized sports, group trips, movie nights, organized games, or facility dances.
Instructs clients in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills by demonstrating and prompting independence with housekeeping, laundering, cooking, and personal grooming tasks.
Assists clients in developing and using socialization skills.
Encourages clients’ participation in their treatment plan.
Employs behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis techniques, such as positive/negative reinforcement, task analysis, and/or extinction methods.
Employs the crisis intervention techniques established by the facility, including the appropriate use of restraints according to healthcare standards and facility policies.
Markets and sells crafts and other items made by clients.
Documents clients’ participation in therapeutic activities on their progress evaluation charts.
Monitors, reports, and documents clients' attendance, participation, progress, and conduct toward their set therapeutic goals.
Observes and documents clients’ appearance, health, and behavior to track signs of regression or improvement based on their established therapeutic program.
Applies prosthetic limbs, supportive devices, and other mobility aids.
Changes clients' diapers and soiled clothing in accordance with facility policies.
Assists clients with personal care needs, such as restroom usage, bathing, and dressing in accordance with facility policies.
Operates a rescue resuscitator in response to medical emergencies in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
Assists clients during water activities in facility pools, where available.
Requisitions, monitors, and documents the use of therapeutic and program equipment, materials, parts, and supplies.
Follows facility procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and security of clients and staff.
Ensures that work areas and facility equipment comply with established health and safety standards.
Transports or escorts clients to activities, appointments, or outings.
Maintains records and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
EXPERIENCE:
Three (3) years of experience providing care and custody to institutionalized individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities or psychiatric disorders in a psychiatric hospital, long-term care facility, residential facility, or a related agency. This experience should have involved assisting in the implementation of occupational, physical, recreational, and/or behavioral therapy programs aimed at rehabilitating clients through a variety of therapeutic and rehabilitative activities.
NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the required experience may substitute college credits in any combination of the following areas: psychology, social work, behavior modification, applied behavior analysis, special education, or fine, decorative, or practical arts, on a year-for-year basis for up to two years with fifteen (15) semester-hour credits being equal to one year of experience. The prior arts curriculum should have covered any combination of classes in drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, ceramics, crafts, glassware, jewelry, and/or textile design. Classes in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or recreational therapy programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, or physical disabilities are also acceptable as a substitution.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
SPECIAL NOTE: Ability to physically lift, move, and reposition clients as needed.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the types of activities involved in various therapy programs, including recreational, vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis.
Knowledge of the challenges and limitations faced by clients with developmental, physical, or psychological disabilities in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, or a related agency.
Knowledge of best practices for establishing and maintaining routines and activities in various therapy program areas in settings such as psychiatric hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential facilities, or a related agency.
Knowledge of the challenges encountered by staff when working with clients who have developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities in settings such as psychiatric hospitals’ long-term care facilities, residential facilities, or a related agency.
Knowledge of the goals and objectives of vocational, occupational, physical, behavior modification, and/or applied behavior analysis therapy programs.
Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and techniques used in arts and crafts activities, such as sewing, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, basketry, rug-making, crocheting, pottery-making, and woodworking.
Knowledge of the various types of recreation and play activities involved in recreational therapy. Knowledge of the procedures for operating recreational therapy equipment.
Knowledge of the procedures for operating physical therapy equipment, such as standing boxes, wheelchairs, or leg braces.
Knowledge of the procedures for operating occupational therapy equipment, such as adaptive feeding tools, scooping boxes, or hand braces.
Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and techniques used in vocational rehabilitation activities, such as carpentry and painting.
Knowledge of socialization skills, including basic communication, adaptability, and social perceptiveness.
Knowledge of behavior modification and applied behavior analysis techniques, including positive reinforcement, task analysis, and prompting and fading.
Knowledge of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills, including housekeeping, laundering, mending, and cooking tasks.
Knowledge of personal hygiene practices for individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive impairments.
Knowledge of marketing and sales techniques for promoting products created by clients.
Knowledge of the procedures for applying prosthetic limbs and other supportive devices.
Knowledge of procedures for physically restraining clients in accordance with healthcare and facility standards for the use of restraints.
Knowledge of crisis intervention procedures and protocols in facility settings.
Knowledge of water safety procedures for individuals with special needs.
Knowledge of American Red Cross First Aid techniques and best practices.
Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.
Ability to lead a group of employees acting as assistants in a therapy program.
Ability to lift, move, and physically restrain clients in accordance with facility policies.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to provide instructions and assistance to clients engaged in therapeutic activities.
Ability to prepare equipment and gather supplies for clients’ use during therapeutic activities.
Ability to perform minor repairs and maintain equipment used in therapy programs. Ability to collaborate with supervisors, healthcare professionals, and facility staff.
Ability to enforce facility rules and regulations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of clients.
Ability to observe and document clients' progress, behavior, and physical condition.
Ability to requisition and document the use of materials, supplies, and equipment for clients’ activities.
Ability to operate a rescue resuscitator in accordance with facility policies.
Ability to administer CPR.
Ability to administer first aid.
Ability to implement water safety and rescue techniques for individuals with special needs, where appropriate.
Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
