ACTIVITY SPECIALIST I8370F1 Pay Grade: 22 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized, professional work planning, organizing and carrying out habilitation, rehabilitation, or socialization activities with patients, clients, inmates, or students. Work involves the application of specialized activity skills in a music, art, horticultural, athletic or recreational program in a community, institutional, or correctional facility. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Activity Therapist I class which performs therapeutic work in a clinical setting. Differs from the Activity Specialist II class which supervises lower level Activity Specialists, works with a variety of activity specialties, or directs a facility wide activities program, and has more independence in developing work methods and processes. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Plans and carries out habilitative or rehabilitative, educational, vocational, athletic, religious, or social activities utilizing modalities which include recreation, sports/athletics, expressive arts (art, music, dance) or horticulture techniques; assists an Activity Specialist II or an Activity Therapist II in planning and carrying out specialized or facility-wide activities. Conducts and interprets activity assessments to determine needs, assets, capabilities, and interests; writes habilitation or rehabilitation goals and objectives; evaluates and documents participant acceptance and progress in activities; demonstrates activities and encourages patients, clients, students or inmates to participate. Develops and implements activities designed to facilitate positive behavioral changes and social skills, and to assist individuals in developing acceptable means to conflict resolution. Demonstrates the principles and techniques of an activity specialty to students, volunteers and other staff. Develops and presents training in the specialty area. May supervise paraprofessional, technical or clerical staff. Monitors and maintains activity supplies and equipment; maintains inventory records; completes purchase requests and work orders; assists in budget planning. Drives van or bus to transport clients, patients, students, or inmates to activities. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the methods and techniques of music, art, horticultural, athletic or recreational activities. Knowledge of security factors in dealing with adult or juvenile offenders. Knowledge of modern concepts, principles and practices related to dealing with the rehabilitation of juvenile or adult offenders. Knowledge of relevant facility handbooks, policies, procedures, regulations and statutes. Abilities *Ability to evaluate condition of client, patient, student or inmate in relation to available activities and to establish an appropriate habilitation or rehabilitation program. *Ability to direct and instruct groups and individuals participating in structured activities. *Ability to direct and instruct others on habilitation or rehabilitation methods for inmates, students, clients, or patients. *Ability to observe, recall and document behavior, surroundings and events. *Ability to maintain accurate records and reports of habilitation or rehabilitation progress. *Ability to recognize and report behaviors in individuals that impede program progress or threaten security. *Ability to think and act appropriately during an emergency. *Ability to communicate information concisely and accurately in verbal, or written form. *Ability to provide competency training for lower level staff. *Ability to supervise and control adult or juvenile offenders individually and in groups. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Four years of experience in recreation, athletics, music, or art. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/93 |