Human Resources

Mental Health Therapy Aide

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: These duties involve carrying out routine therapeutic techniques and procedures as part of an overall therapy program prescribed by the professional Mental Health Staff.  A Mental Health Therapy Aide assists clients in activities of daily living and encourages them to become self-sufficient.  The work is performed under the close supervision of higher ranking professional or paraprofessional staff members.  A Mental Health Therapy Aide also does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Applies basic therapy techniques and procedures to compliment an overall therapy program;
Assists clients in the activities of daily living, teaching them and encouraging them to become self-sufficient;
Assists and participates in structured group meetings of a therapeutic or problem solving nature;
Keeps professional and paraprofessional staff informed of reactions to therapy programs;
Maintains progress notes, reports and other data for purposes of evaluation;
Confers with members of clients’ families concerning home treatment and day care;
Takes clients on shopping trips and other errands, teaching them to become more confident and self-reliant in dealing with community life;
Assists clients in utilizing local services available to them;
Assists and participates in group meetings, activity groups and recreation programs.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Working knowledge of the needs and interests of the mentally ill; working knowledge of the basic principles, practices and terminology involved in the treatment of the mentally ill; working knowledge of arts, crafts, games and other activities employed in the treatment of the mentally ill; ability to communicate effectively with the mentally disabled; initiative and resourcefulness; ability to communicate orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to stand for long periods of time, walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, adjust focus and visually observe clients.

The work environment characteristics describe here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions,.

The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet, occasionally noisy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EITHER:

  1. Possession of a high school or equivalency diploma AND one year of full-time experience in a position involving the delivery of human services (Part-time experience may be pro-rated);
    OR:
  2. Completion of sixty credit hours of post-high school education, with specialization in human services;
    OR:
  3. A combination of training and experience equivalent to 1 and 2 above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.
Possession of an appropriate valid NYS Driver’s License.