51554JD1122.pdf

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STATE OF MONTANA

JOB DESCRIPTION

Montana state government is an equal opportunity employer. The State shall, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.

Job Title: Recreation/Vocational Therapist Position Numbers: 51554

Location: Boulder Department: DPHHS

Division and Bureau: State Run Facilities / Intensive Behavior Center

Job Overview: The Intensive Behavior Center (IBC) is an intensive, short-term treatment facility for individuals who have intellectual disabilities. IBC provides an environment for building healthy, effective, and fulfilling lives so those receiving treatment can live successfully in the community after discharge.

The Recreation/Vocational Therapist will work to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual functioning to facilitate the full participation in life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of technique including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. The therapist will treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively.

Vocational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing training in skills that can lead to paid employment for individuals with disabilities. This includes assessing individuals to identify vocational interests and skills, organizing pre-vocational activities, and securing opportunities for individuals at IBC to obtain paid employment opportunities. Where needed, providing some job coaching and skill development to increase productivity and future success in the workplace.

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):

Recreation Therapy 50%

• Assess each client’s needs using a standardized recreational therapy assessment and developing activity plans.

• Planning and providing appropriate recreational therapy activities and interventions within the facility and community.

• Organize and manage the facilities “Treatment Mall,” providing structured recreation and leisure activities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Establish a schedule to facilitate access to the “Treatment Mall” for all individuals who reside at IBC.

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• Design and organize work and leisure activities that can be used to provide active treatment for individuals with disabilities.

• Enhance and provide access to sensory items and activities that can be made available within the “Treatment Mall” and within individual’s homes should it be determined beneficial.

• Track client’s goals and objectives to help prepare quarterly reports indicative of progress or regression.

• Train Shift Managers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to engage individuals with disabilities in structured recreational and leisure activities.

Vocational Therapy 50%

• Evaluate and address sensory, motor, and perceptual abilities of the person as part of a prevocational/vocational needs assessment, or ongoing support for a work-study program.

• Evaluate the work site for the sensory, motor, and perceptual requirements of specific work tasks, along with environmental factors such as noise, and clutter.

• Match the client’s abilities and interests with specific job requirements, then fabricate needed supports (e.g., wider handles for gripping tools, noise-reducing headphones, a nonslip surface, daily checklist).

• Determine accessibility and safety of the work area and recommend adaptive equipment.

• Perform a task analysis of job requirements and outline the components into a sequence. A written script ensures that Direct Support Professionals all follow the same sequence when working with the individual.

• Create programs for skill development needed for job performance (e.g., improving standing tolerance and finger dexterity, developing or refining social skills).

• Secure paid work that can be made available at IBC, giving individuals the opportunity to develop stronger work skills and obtain payment for work performed.

• Explore job possibilities within the community with individuals residing at IBC.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Typical residential/community/work environment, however, assisting with de-escalation of clients may be necessary at times. Must tour all campus / facility locations on occasion in inclement weather.

May be required to lift up to 50 lbs. Must be able to perform manual labor tasks which may involve tools and/or equipment and physical activities including standing, walking, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and twisting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of recreation therapy interventions and practices.

• Knowledge of vocational rehabilitation strategies.

• Knowledge of psychology, human behavior, and development.

• Knowledge of individual and group therapy principles.

• Knowledge of recreational activities and related equipment.

• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illness.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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• Ability to write reports and make oral presentations.

• Ability to operate personal computer and general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, including using spreadsheets, word processing, database, email, internet, and other computer programs.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.

• One year recreation therapist experience.

• Completion of approved recreation therapist internships may substitute for the one year of required experience.

• National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification is required within one year of employment.

• Equivalent combinations of related education and experience may be considered on case-by-case basis

Special Requirements:

List any other special required information for this position

Fingerprint check Valid driver’s license

Background Check Union Code ____

Other; Describe:

Safety Responsibilities:

1. Complies with the Department’s Safety Program as outlined in its Workplace Safety Policy.

2. Observes all safety rules and applies accident prevention principles while performing duties; and

3. Reports all workplace accidents or injuries to the supervisor or designee.

The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to perform the job successfully.

51554 JD 1122

Signatures

My signature below indicates the statements in the job description are accurate and complete.

Kyle Fouts Facility Administrator 11/21/2022

Immediate Supervisor Title Date

William Evo Chief Healthcare Facilities Officer 11/29/22

Administrative Review Title Date

My signature below indicates that I have read this job description.

Employee Title Date

Human Resources Review

Job Code Title: Recreation Therapist 1 Job Code Number: J1C011

My signature below indicates that Human Resources has reviewed this job description for completeness and has made the following determinations:

FLSA Exempt FLSA Non-Exempt

Telework Available Telework Not Available

Classification Complete Organizational Chart attached

Human Resources:

Sarah Green Senior HR Partner 11/28/22

Signature Title Date