Nature of
Work
Under general
supervision, performs paraprofessional work at the full-performance level
assisting professional staff in the care, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation
of mentally and/or physically challenged at state-operated facilities or
in a community setting. Acts as a lead worker or charge assistant in assigning,
scheduling and reviewing the work of Health Service Workers. Develops,
writes, implements and evaluates basic therapeutic treatment programs.
Assists professional staff in providing basic rehabilitative treatment
in such areas as physical or occupational therapy, recreational therapy,
restorative therapy or similar areas. Travel may be required. Performs
related work as required.
Distinguishing
Characteristics
This level
is identified by the assignment of lead worker duties on an on-going basis
or by the assignment of duties to develop and/or monitor program plans
within a specific discipline at the facility. May be required to participate
in additional training such as physical therapy assistance or basic education
techniques. The employee has some latitude of action in the development
of treatment plans; however, guidelines and client psychosocial development
determine the parameter of individual care.
Examples
of Work
Participates
in a formal training program to develop knowledge and abilities required
for career growth and development.
Leads and performs
required personal care and hygiene services such as bathing, grooming,
dressing and feeding clients.
Teaches clients
basic skills of daily living habits such as cleanliness, personal hygiene,
dressing, eating, etc.
Provides training,
role modeling and direction to assigned staff and clients; prepares work
schedules and makes assignments.
Oversees and
participates in planned recreational and social programs.
Provides basic
nursing care such as taking temperature, blood pressure, and pulse; performs
routine treatment and first aid under the direction of a licensed practical
nurse, registered nurse, or physician.
Confers with
supervisors and professional staff regarding problems, patient behavior,
and assignment and scheduling of personnel.
Assists professional
staff in the implementation of established therapeutic treatment programs;
serves as a member of the therapeutic treatment team to facilitate change
in the clients' behavior.
Develops individual
treatment plans for clients in assigned specialty area; records plans in
client records and oversees or leads clients in activities, testing, or
life skills training.
Follows physicians'
or therapists' direction in providing hands-on therapy or care in assigned
area.
Leads and may
perform duties necessary to maintain a safe, clean and orderly living and
work area; reports needed repairs to maintenance staff; recommends needed
equipment and supplies; orders, distributes and inventories supplies.
Observes, records
and reports clients' behavior, attitudes and physical condition and reports
significant changes to proper staff.
Teaches clients
skill-building in such areas as independent travel, self administration
of medication, crafts, money management, self expression, nutrition, crisis
management and social intervention.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of
the concepts of mental health, health disorders and related physical conditions
and treatment approaches.
Knowledge of
simple nursing care, first-aid, personal and environmental hygiene.
Knowledge of
the policies and procedures of the department, facility or service entity.
Ability to
lead and train workers engaged in the care, treatment and rehabilitation
of physically and mentally ill clients.
Ability to
provide basic nursing care, personal care and hygiene.
Ability to
perform established treatment and programmatic activities.
Ability to
teach clients eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and other self care skills.
Ability to
participate with professional staff in the design and implementation of
treatment and programmatic activities.
Ability to
observe the rights and personal dignity of others.
Ability to
observe, record and report clients' behavior, attitude and physical condition.
Ability to
perform simple arithmetic.
Ability to
maintain effective working relationships with clients and other employees.
Minimum
Qualifications [Top]
Training:
Education equivalent
to graduation from high school.
Experience:
Three years
of full-time or equivalent part-time paid or volunteer experience in the
care, treatment and development of the physically or mentally ill or mentally
retarded.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
FOR DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Employee must
successfully complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of required training
in the area of assignment as documented by certification and approved by
the Department of Health and Human Resources.
Established:
7/16/92
Revised:
3/24/03
Effective:
3/24/03