Activity Therapist Coordinator

DEFINITION

This is responsible technical and administrative work on a professional level in directing and coordinating all activity therapy departments in a state hospital for the mentally ill or mentally retarded.

Work of this class involves responsibility for the management and coordination of a program of therapeutic activities including occupational, music, and recreation therapy units, and may include the volunteer services program. In cooperation with medical and professional personnel, this employee develops and directs the organization of a complex program to integrate all activity therapies with the total rehabilitation program. General administrative direction is received from the Superintendent or other designated superior.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates a complex program of activities for the treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill or mentally retarded patients, conferring with administrative or medical staff on general program, policies, standards and staffing patterns.

Arranges a flexible schedule for shops, music recreation, volunteer services, and other therapeutic activities and readjusts it according to patient need and available personnel.

Recruits, directs, supervises and evaluates subordinate professional or nonprofessional personnel.

Plans for effective utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment supplies and space.

Plans and conducts staff training through meetings, demonstrations, discussions and keeps staff posted on new developments in the field.

Arranges and provides training in the field of activity therapist for student nurses, students in related fields, and in-service training of hospital personnel.

Interprets program to institutional staff and public, participating in lay and professional meetings concerned with activity therapies.

Consults with professional staff in initiating research projects.

Maintains an accurate record system; accumulates statistical data on treatment; prepares reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Orders and maintains supplies and equipment.

Handles all detailed correspondence relative to the department.

Attends and participates in medical conferences and rounds.

Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of the principles, techniques and media used in occupational, recreational and related therapies and ability to adapt them to the total treatment program.

Thorough knowledge of the psychology and problems of the mentally ill and the ability to adapt treatment to individual and group needs.

Considerable knowledge of the principles of organization, supervision, and training as applied to various fields of activity therapy in a hospital for the mentally ill or mentally retarded.

Ability to organize and coordinate a modern, complex program of activities utilizing a wide variety of media and personnel in accordance with the total rehabilitation program.

Ability to coordinate and supervise the activities of therapists and aides in several professional fields and to maintain high standards of treatment.

Ability to make professional analyses of the therapeutic needs and progress of patients.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional staff, employees and the community.

Ability to write and speak effectively and to keep pertinent records.

Good physical condition and emotional stability.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Three years of full-time professional experience in the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients or the mentally retarded including one year at the level of Recreational, Occupational or Music Therapist III; and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in the field of occupational therapy, music therapy or recreational therapy. (One additional year of general experience and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in a field closely related to activity therapy activities such as music, recreation, physical education, arts and crafts, or in closely related fields may be substituted for the specified training. Two years of experience at the level of a Recreational, Occupational or Music Therapist II may be substituted for the year of specialized experience.)

(Rev. 4/1/77)