Therapy Assistant (#MDKA01)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$35,721.00 Yearly Min / $44,651.00 Yearly Mid / $53,581.00 Yearly Max

Therapist I (#MDKA02)
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

Therapist II (#MDKA03)
$45,798.00 Yearly Min / $57,248.00 Yearly Mid / $68,698.00 Yearly Max

Therapist III (#MDKA04)
$55,182.00 Yearly Min / $68,978.00 Yearly Mid / $82,774.00 Yearly Max

Therapist IV (#MDKA05)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

Therapist III (#UDKA04)
We are currently accepting applications for this position. To apply, please close this pop-up window and then click on the link for Career Opportunities.
$62,222.00 Yearly Min / $68,978.00 Yearly Mid / $82,774.00 Yearly Max

This class series uses five levels of work in the Health and Human Services Occupational Group, Therapy Services Series and describes work in the fields of audiology, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, therapeutic recreation and dance/movement therapy. Work involves providing therapy to restore physical and mental life functions, relieve pain, and mitigate the disabling effects of injury, disease and medical or surgical treatments. Therapy Assistants assist Therapists in providing services. 

Note: The Therapist I, II and III are a designated Career Ladder series. Based on the level of therapist work applicable to the employing agency, positions can be allocated up to level III. The Therapist I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. To implement the career ladder, current employees are assigned to the level for which they meet minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with promotional standards. The promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, set forth the criteria that identify, measure and verify successful performance at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency/department's operational needs and distribution of work. Therefore, all employees may not have the opportunity to advance to the III level at a given point in time. The Therapist IV, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

The Therapy Assistant is not part of the designated career ladder.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

THERAPY ASSISTANT

• Provides support in planning, implementing and administering activities and providing instruction.
    
• Assists therapist in developing treatment plans and conducting evaluations.
    
• Confers with therapist and others to discuss and evaluate individual's information for planning, modifying or coordinating treatment.

• Administers treatment, applying knowledge of applicable therapy discipline.
    
• Plans and prepares written treatment plans based on evaluation of individual's data.
      
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatment to achieve maximum benefit.
       
• Instructs, motivates and assists individuals in performance of various activities and use of support devices.
   
•  Instructs individuals, their families and other treatment staff in treatment procedures.
      
• Prepares records and reports on individual's progress. 

Therapy Assistant

This level describes therapy assistant work. Positions at this level work under close supervision of a therapist. 

• The therapy assistant class differs from the therapist class in that it applies the practices of therapy but not the principles and theories.
• Regular contacts are typically with individuals, their families, internal agency staff and others outside the agency, for the purpose of gathering/analyzing information, providing instruction, motivation and assistance to individuals to improve functional activities.

Therapist I

 This level describes the first level of therapist work. Positions at this level report to a technical superior.

• Performs less complex therapist work for therapy discipline.
• Receives close supervision in agency operations.  Work is reviewed in progress.
• Develops skills in therapy discipline; Consults with higher level therapy staff.
• Regular contacts are typically with individuals, their families, internal agency staff and others outside the agency for the purpose of coordinating, gathering and relaying information.

Therapist II

This level describes full performance therapist work. Positions at this level report to a technical superior.

• Performs complex therapist work for therapy discipline. 
• Supervisor does periodic review of progress.
• May oversee the work of aides/assistants, student interns and other support staff.
• Consults with supervisor, physicians and other treatment personnel.
• Regular contacts are typically with individuals, their families, internal agency staff and others outside the agency for the purpose of advising, counseling and explaining procedures.

Therapist III

This level describes advanced therapist work. Positions at this level work under the direction of a technical or administrative superior. 

• Performs the most complex therapist work for therapy discipline.
• Positions are given the degree of independence needed to achieve therapy objectives provided activities are consistent with policies, procedures and objectives.
• May supervise other therapists, assistants and support staff.
• May plan and conduct professional workshops.
• May design and fabricate adaptive equipment and instruct individuals in its use.
• Regular contacts are typically with individuals, their families, internal agency staff and others outside the agency for the purpose of advising, counseling or guiding to resolve problems and influence or correct actions and behavior.

Therapist IV

This is the supervisory level in the therapy services series. Positions at this level report to an administrative superior. 

• Plans, organizes and supervises the administration of a therapy program.
• Supervises therapists and support staff. Supervision is exercised over two or more merit full time positions per Merit Rule 5.1460. The elements of supervision include planning, assigning, reviewing and evaluating performance, training and recommending hire, termination and discipline. 
• Reviews the quality and appropriateness of services delivered, identifies and develops goals and objectives and ensures program compliance with State/Federal certification requirements.
• Regular contacts are typically with physicians and others concerning treatment and an individual's progress. Teaches new procedures to staff therapists, assistants, aides and others. Provides consultation to other programs and agencies. 

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the practices, materials and equipment used in applicable therapy discipline.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety measures.
• Knowledge of the methods of evaluating an individual's response in order to report on progress.
• Ability to perform therapy procedures under direction of a therapist.
• Ability to apply therapy techniques in the implementation of activities.
• Ability to recognize problems and report them to a therapist.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals, employees and others.
• Ability to write clear informative and concise reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - THERAPIST I - IV

• Knowledge of theories, principles, practices and standards of applicable therapy discipline.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in applicable therapy discipline.
• Knowledge of applicable tests and diagnostic techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in guiding individuals through activities.
• Knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology and growth and development
• Knowledge of counseling principles and practices.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety precautionary measures.
• Ability to write informative and concise reports and maintain records.
• Ability to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Ability to perform and interpret applicable tests.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to effectively use applicable equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals, employees and others.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Therapist II requires:

• Skill in motivating individuals.
• Skill in administering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
• Skill in developing and implementing treatment plans.
• Ability to explain therapy procedures to families and related professionals.
• Ability to direct the work of lower level staff.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Therapist III requires:

• Ability to oversee therapists and various support personnel.
• Ability to plan and conduct professional workshops.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, the Therapist IV requires:

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques applicable to operating a therapy program.
• Skill in operating a therapy program.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Therapy Assistant
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of therapy practices.
2. Knowledge of record keeping. 
3. Depending on job assignment possession of one of the following certification, license or registration:

• Delaware Occupational Therapy Assistant license
• Registered Delaware Physical Therapy Assistant or eligible for registration