This is patient care work providing assistance to therapists in the area of specialization within a medically-oriented
therapy program for the rehabilitation or diversion of the physically disabled. An employee in this class provides
instructions to patients engaged in the prescribed therapy-related activities and assists therapists in providing treatments
in their area of specialization. Employees in the Occupational Specialty provide instruction and correct the work of
patients performing a variety of arts and crafts activities. Employees in the Physical Specialty prepare patients for
physical therapy and treatments and provide instructions to patients on the proper methods to perform exercises specified
by therapists. Employees in the Recreational Specialty lead patients in a variety of therapy-related leisure activities, such
as games, field trips, and parties. Employees perform their duties in each specialty after a brief training period. Work
requires working with patients who may be disoriented and difficult to motivate. Employees in this class work under the
close supervision of a therapist for therapy-related activities and must adhere to the prescribed activities. Physical effort
is required in moving and lifting handicapped patients and/or apparatus.
In The Recreational Specialty
- Leads patients in the therapy-related game activities such as chess, backgammon, shuffleboard, bingo, and other
activities that promote socialization; conducts group socialization activities; leads reading groups; discusses current events;
writes letters, makes phone calls, and reads to patients; gives patients access to Braille books and tapes.
- Prepares and serves food to patients at parties; dresses, feeds and toilets patients during field trips and during in-
house programs.
- Participates in patient care meeting; discusses patient's progress in relation to stated goals; receives information
on dietary restrictions for patients; suggests alternative activities for bedridden patients.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the precautions to be observed in dealing with physically and mentally handicapped patients.
- the tools and equipment used in a medical rehabilitation program.
ABILITY TO:
- deal tactfully and effectively with physically and mentally handicapped patients.
- learn the techniques employed in a medical rehabilitation program.
- operate a vehicle safety and efficiently.
- understand and follow simple written and oral instructions.
- report observations both orally and in writing.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the minimum training
and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates
for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 1/85.)
EDUCATION
- Education equivalent to completion of the eighth school grade.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
- One year experience performing care for children, the aged, infirmed, or handicapped in an institutional setting
or in an organized program of home health care.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel
Department that has included the specific experience described above.
NOTE:
Six months experience as a Therapy aide in the appropriate specialty may be substituted for the one year
of specific experience.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
-
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this
class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES
- Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment as required by job assignment for all employees appointed after March 1, 1993.
PAY RANGE: 7
Class Established: 1/1953
CSC - 12/1952 ; Ad Board - 12/1952
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 2/1993 ; Ad Board - 3/1993
DD/deb/ps
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 4B20