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