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9660
ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIST

Nature of Work
Under general supervision, performs work at the full performance level by planning, supervising and conducting arts, crafts, adaptive skills, and personal adjustment programs for mentally ill, mentally retarded, and physically or developmentally disabled clients in a state health care or rehabilitation institution. Performs related work as required.

Examples of Work
Plans daily lessons in accordance with special needs of individuals and groups with mental, physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.
Instructs clients in various arts and crafts, such as macrame, crochet, knitting, quilting, weaving or pottery; may specialize in a particular craft.
Assigns projects to clients and specifies procedures needed to complete the project successfully.
Assembles crafts materials and prepares for projects by pouring plaster or ceramic molds, setting up looms for weaving, etc.
Tests clients' skills, observes and evaluates their progress, and completes forms to be filed in the clients' folders.
Participates in staff discussions on clients' evaluations and/or progress.
Motivates patients to attend and participate in arts and crafts/recreation sessions.
Researches new projects to maintain clients' interest.
Supervises and directs the work of permanent employees engaged in creative arts therapy, as well as college field placement students, seasonal youth employees, and volunteers; arranges schedules and assigns work load; conducts meetings of the therapy staff.
Attends workshops and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills.
Orders, or authorizes others to order, instructional supplies and equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of art and adaptive skills therapy.
Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of tools, equipment and machines used in adaptive skills, as well as proper storage of materials.
Knowledge of methods for testing and evaluating clients' skills and abilities.
Knowledge of the problems and limitations associated with various types of disabilities.
Knowledge of methods of managing aggressive behavior.
Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
Skill in instructing others in arts and crafts techniques.
Ability to plan and conduct crafts and activities programs and integrate them with the clients' treatment plans.
Ability to select or adapt instructional techniques for individuals and groups with various needs and abilities.
Ability to observe and evaluate clients' reactions to, and progress in, therapy classes.
Ability to document observations and evaluations of clients in formal progress reports.
Ability to direct the work of others.
Ability to inventory supplies and equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationship with clients, including those who are disorderly and/or mentally disturbed.

Minimum Qualifications       [Top]
Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in art, recreation or related field.
Substitution:
Two additional years of experience as described below may substitute for the required major.
Experience:
Two years of experience in arts, crafts, and/or adaptive skills instruction in a health care or rehabilitation institution.

Established: 8/20/92
Effective:     9/15/92

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