Under general supervision, administers recreation and/or music therapy treatments to the rehabilitation of patients; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Rehabilitation Therapist series. An incumbent in this class may treat physically, emotionally and mentally disabled patients.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assesses patients' rehabilitative needs; plans and conducts individual and group therapy sessions; evaluates patient response and progress; charts clinical notes and records.
Coordinates activities with members of a treatment team to reinforce other treatment modalities; plans treatment goals with the therapeutic team; confers with medical staff and other therapeutic team members regarding patient progress.
Coordinates work of volunteer and other staff assisting in rehabilitative therapy; may act as lead worker; assists in training of staff in the physical and psychological objectives of rehabilitative therapy.
Cooperates with other organizations in planning programs and activities for patients.
Education: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a major coursework in Recreation or Music Therapy; or graduation from a recreation or music therapy program which is approved by the Council of Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles, methods, materials and equipment used in rehabilitation therapy programs; theory and practice of rehabilitation of mentally and physically handicapped persons; physical and psychological problems of the handicapped; basic pathology of diseases and injuries resulting in handicaps; modern developments, current literature and sources of information in the fields of rehabilitative therapy; characteristics of mental, emotional developmental disorders.
ABILITY
Analyze the needs, abilities, and progress of patients; assign, plan and lay out projects to fit particular needs of various types of patients, explain and interpret therapy goals; coordinate and provide leadership in rehabilitation therapy activities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, their families and others.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.