Human Resources

Therapeutic Activities Aide

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This position provides support for the professional staff of a day-treatment center of the Community Mental Health Clinic, through providing non-professional services to the clients of the Clinic in the areas of activities of daily living, and recreational and occupational therapy.  The work is performed under the general supervision of a professional, following well-established procedures, with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment in determining the priorities of daily activities, and in implementing the details of assignments.  The incumbent may be involved in overseeing the activities of a Therapeutic Activities Worker or other lower-grade employee. Does related work, as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Functions as a member of a treatment team, by assisting patients in acquiring life-skills
     training, and in socialization and directive group work;
Assists with case-management duties;
Assists in therapy programs through providing prevocational skills, hobby and activity
     training, (such as arts and crafts, personal hygiene, basic money-management skills,
     etc.), as well as training in activities of daily living;
Assists in planning, arranging, and conducting recreational and leisure-time activities, such
     as field trips, movies, games, etc.

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: Working knowledge of the organization and conduct of a variety of occupational, recreational, and ADL activities; ability to work with people, in developing interest, initiative, and motivation in the participation and completion of therapeutic activities; ability to relate to the emotionally disturbed; ability to observe and record patients’ progress and responses to activities; ability to interact effectively with professional staff; ability to follow complex oral and written instructions; courtesy; tact; integrity.

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 walk, talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and make visual observation of 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.

The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an appropriate equivalency diploma recognized by the NYS Department of Education, AND:

  1. Completion of at least two full years of study at a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, including or supplemented by at least 18 semester credit hours in social work, psychology, human services, therapeutic activities or closely related field;
  2. OR:
  3. Two (2) years of full-time, paid experience assisting with recreational and/or occupational therapeutic activities in a therapeutic setting, such as psychiatric hospital, community mental health program, or State mental hygiene institution;
    OR:
  4. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of 1 and 2 above.