ACTIVITY THERAPIST

DEFINITION

This is semiprofessional and supervisory 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

Plans and conducts a variety of specifically assigned client activities in the absence of a qualified Recreational, Occupational, or Music Therapist.

Evaluates clients' capabilities and prepares recommendations on placement of clients in activity programs; correlates activities with clients' needs to help achieve self adjustment and social acceptance.

Supervises non-professional staff and volunteers in conducting group activities.

Assists in maintaining administrative and clinical records.

Requests supplies and equipment required for assigned activities.

Provides individual instruction for clients as required.

Performs duties under the supervision of a higher-level professional who reviews work in progress, and upon completion, for quality and achievement of established objectives.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

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

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

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

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

Introductory knowledge of the general principles and techniques of supervision.

Ability to supervise and instruct clients, Activity Aides, and volunteers.

Ability to plan, organize, lead, vary, and adapt activities in accordance with client needs.

Ability to apply and adapt skills and knowledge of activity areas to planned sessions of therapeutic activities.

Ability to foster interest, initiative, responsibility, and experimentation in clients and discourage inappropriate responses.

Ability to observe client behavior, record observations, and prepare reports.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely.

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.)

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

OR

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 15 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Recreation, Music, Physical Education, Arts and Crafts, or a closely related field.

OR

Four 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 area; including one or more years of supervisory experience in conducting activity programs; and possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate.

(Earned credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience at a rate of 30 earned credit hours for one year.)

(Revised 12/1/07 )