Department of Administrative Services

In a state facility this class is accountable for the evaluation, planning and application of a recognized therapeutic discipline to provide treatment for individuals with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities.

This class is the junior working level within the professional rehabilitation series. Incumbents in this class provide direct care to individuals with disabilities in the area of art therapy. Promotion to the working level normally occurs once incumbents have demonstrated solid job content knowledge and the ability to independently perform the full range of professional duties. It is possible that incumbents would remain at the junior working level if the organization does not require the range of duties appropriate to the full working level or if the incumbent is not able to independently perform the range of working level duties.

Works under the general supervision of a Rehabilitation Therapist 2 or other designated employee of higher grade; receives closer supervision when performing more advanced tasks.

May lead Rehabilitation Therapy Assistants, direct care aides or rehabilitation therapy and nursing students; may provide training, consultation and direction to direct care staff on issues and activities relating to the specialty.

Evaluates individuals level of functioning by assessing behavior and reviewing medical, social and emotional case histories; writes and implements treatment plans using a specific modality; conducts individual and group activities, consulting with other professionals and selecting appropriate techniques and materials to teach skills to correct disorders in intellectual, emotional or motor status of an individual; attends case conferences, actively participating in admission, treatment and discharge planning; observes, records and evaluates individual progress; participates in or assists in conducting training programs for staff therapists and rehabilitation and nursing students; uses data from observation and diagnostic evaluations to develop goals and new activities; administers and interprets evaluations in specialty areas; requisitions and distributes supplies; adapts musical, art and recreational equipment used in designated discipline; may attend workshops and conferences; may transport and escort individuals to off grounds activities; may perform prevocational activities with individuals; may participate in and plan special activities within community; may perform duties in individual home or community setting; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices of the therapeutic art discipline; knowledge of physical and intellectual disorders; knowledge of individual and group dynamics; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; skill in application of therapeutic techniques.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license to practice art therapy as issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes. A temporary license may be granted for a period not to exceed one (1) year.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a certificate as a Water Safety Instructor (W.S.I.), and/or lifesaving (CPR, First Aid) from the American Red Cross. 

2. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficient in use of American Sign Language in certain positions. 

3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable job conditions while providing treatment to individuals with disabilities.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Rehabilitation Therapist 1 (Art) (40 Hour) in Salary Group FP 19 approved effective July 4, 2008. (Revised to implement House Bill No. 5444, change Job Code Designation and modify content) Action No. 19-053