Under supervision, assists in administering rehabilitative therapy to Mental Health clients and patients; and does other related work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents of this class work under the supervision of and assist professional Rehabilitation Therapists and/or Certified Occupational Therapists in rehabilitative programs designed to treat the mentally ill. Incumbents may apply independent judgment in treatment progression within the scope of a treatment plan established by the therapist. Incumbents may be assigned to one or more of the following areas of Mental Health Services. Psychiatric Inpatient Unit, Outpatient Unit, Day Treatment Center, Activity Center, or other Mental Health programs.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assists a Rehabilitation Therapist or Occupational Therapist in planning, implementing and conducting various therapeutic group activities for clients in a specific therapeutic modality.
Conducts Mental Health sponsored groups and activities at Mental Health Services or at programs in the community.
Interacts with clients within a therapeutic milieu and relates pertinent information and observations to professional therapists, clinical, and medical staff.
Attends staff meetings and in-service education classes; assists peers in orientation of new employees in departmental objectives, policies and procedures.
Maintains accurate records and prepares reports; maintains supplies in assigned work area.
May work with volunteers in conducting special recreational programs.
May transport clients to and from various programs; may transport equipment and supplies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EITHER I
Experience: One year assisting in rehabilitative/recreational activities in a mental health setting.
OR II
Education: Completion of twenty-four (24) semester units from an accredited college or university, of which a minimum of twelve (12) units must have been in recreation, music, dance, art, occupational therapy or a related field.
AND
Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid California driver’s license and ability to obtain a Class “B” driver’s license if required by nature of assignment.
KNOWLEDGE
Basic principles of the physical and physiological problems of the mentally and physically handicapped; basic principles of mental, emotional, developmental and psychological disorders; basic record keeping practice.
ABILITY
Learn therapy procedures and equipment; communicate clearly; understand and carefully follow oral written instructions of a professional nature; explain rehabilitation therapy expectations to clients, patients or others in clearly understandable terms; elicit confidence of patients; establish and maintain therapeutic, trusting and professional relationships with patients, clients, and others; maintain accurate records; prepare reports; effectively work in unsupervised settings; perform essential physical and mental requirements, long periods, running, stooping, lift or move heavy patients; coping with occasional emergency situations, trauma, grief, and/or death.
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.
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