ACTIVITY AIDE I

DEFINITION

This is entry-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

Assists professional staff and/or Activity Aides of a higher-level in making detailed preparations for, and in carrying out planned client activities in recreational, occupational, music and related therapy areas.

Learns activity techniques and their therapeutic applications as a means of developing the clients' social skills, responsibility and initiative, as well as their ability to cope with problems, gain self-satisfaction and adapt to reality situations.

Escorts clients to and from activity areas; assumes responsibility for the personal needs and safety of clients under his/her charge.

Secures the cooperation of clients in assigned activities.

Observes and reports on client behavior.

Assists nursing and other staff in accordance with general instructions.

Participates in housekeeping duties in activity areas.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

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

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

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 develop some understanding of the clients' problems and needs.

Ability to learn appropriate skills required in various activity services.

Ability to follow instructions and to prepare and maintain records and reports.

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.)

Possession of a high school diploma or GED certificate.

OR

One 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 completion of the tenth grade.

(Minor Revision 2/22/06)