ACTIVITY AIDE II

DEFINITION

This is mid-level work providing client activity services in state facilities for persons with mental illness, mental retardation and/or developmental or physical disabilities.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Conducts planned client activities in recreational, occupational, music and related therapy areas.

Assists professional staff and Activity Aides in planning and organizing assigned activities.

Secures the cooperation of clients and provides leadership and assistance in assigned activities.

Serves as a lead worker for lower-level staff assigned to activity sessions, or performs duties of comparable responsibility such as guiding activity sessions for clients with complex problems.

Observes client behavior and prepares preliminary recommendations regarding placement of clients in activity programs.

Works with volunteers who have been assigned to assist in planned activity sessions.

Makes adequate provision for and/or participates in escorting clients to and from activity areas.

Assumes responsibility for the personal needs and safety of clients under his/her charge.

Oversees and participates in housekeeping duties in activity areas.

Assists nursing and other staff in accordance with general instructions.

Attends and participates in staff and program planning meetings.

Prepares and maintains progress reports and records.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Intermediate knowledge of one or more activity areas such as recreation, occupational therapy, music or arts and crafts.

Intermediate knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with clients.

Introductory knowledge of the general nature of physical or mental illnesses/disabilities and/or developmental disabilities.

Introductory knowledge of the general methods of preparing for and conducting planned sessions of group activities.

Introductory knowledge of escort procedures, precautions and appropriate techniques for assisting clients in emergencies.

Ability to learn the basic principles and methods of therapeutic recreational, occupational, music and related activities, and their application to the treatment of persons with mental illness, mental retardation and/or developmental or physical disabilities.

Ability to communicate with clients and to understand the clients' problems and needs.

Ability to establish and maintain client interest and participation in activities.

Ability to provide guidance and instructions to clients and assigned staff.

Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.

Ability to learn new skills related to assigned activities.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

Two or more years of experience as an Activity Aide I with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

Two or more years of experience working with persons with mental illness, mental retardation and/or developmental or physical disabilities in one or more of the following activity areas: recreation, music, physical education, arts and crafts, or a closely related field; and possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate.

(One year of additional qualifying experience may substitute for the last two years of required high school education.)

OR

60 or more earned credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 9 earned credit hours in one of the following fields: Music, Recreation, Physical Education, Arts and Crafts, or a closely related field.

(Minor Revision 2/22/06)