DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:This is an entry level paraprofessional position in which the duties involve carrying out routine therapeutic techniques and procedures as part of an overall therapy program prescribed by the professional Mental Health staff. The incumbent may, if qualified, be assigned nursing duties as deemed necessary. A Mental Health Therapy Assistant assists clients in activities of daily living, educational and vocational skill development, therapies and/or Recreational programs and encourages them to become self-sufficient. The work is performed under the direct supervision of a Mental Health professional. 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 and/or recreational programs;
Maintains progress notes, reports and other data for purposes of evaluation;
Confers with members of clients’ families concerning home treatment and day care;
May take clients on shopping trips and other errands, teaching them to become more
confident and self-reliant in dealing with community life;
May supervise clients in a work experience program:
Assists clients in utilizing local services available to them;
Assists and participates in group meetings, activity groups and may coordinate and/or participate in recreation programs;
Carries out duties relative to position such as scheduling, communicating with other
agencies, conducting in service programs, and keeping appropriate records:
May be assigned to administer medications at medical clinics, if appropriate and qualified;
May be assigned to coordinate client transportation services.
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 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Good knowledge of the needs and interests of the mentally ill; good knowledge of the basic principles, practices and terminology involved in the treatment of the mentally ill; working knowledge of arts, crafts, games and other recreational activities employed in the treatment of the mentally ill; working knowledge of basic educational and vocational skills; ability to communicate effectively with the mentally disabled; initiative and resourcefulness; ability to communicate orally and in writing; tact and courtesy; integrity; good judgment.
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 described 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.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet, occasionally noisy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Dept. of Education, AND EITHER:
-
Graduation from a regionally accredited, NYS registered four year college or University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Human Services, Nursing or related field;
OR: -
Graduation from a regionally accredited, NYS registered two year college with an Associate’s degree in Human Services, Nursing or related field, AND two (2) years of full-time, paid experience working with the mentally ill;
OR: - Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of 1 or 2 above.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: Possession of a valid NYS Driver’s License.