Activity Aide I (#MDCB01)

A class incumbent is responsible for providing recreational and creative expressive activities for mentally ill, physically and/or developmentally disabled clients in a residential, long-term care or psychiatric facility or a community day program.

A class incumbent reports to a technical superior and is responsible for planning, organizing and conducting group and individual activities such as games, dances, arts and crafts, and community field trips with emphasis on developing client/patient skill in leisure time utilization and socialization. Work includes observing and recording client/patient progress, developing activity treatment/goal attainment plans for new clients/patients and maintaining program records.  Incumbents may conduct initial and ongoing activity assessments to insure activities conform with overall treatment/goal attainment plans.  Incumbents participate as a member of the treatment team. Incumbents also drive a van or school bus and/or assume responsibility for the care and safety of clients/patients on trips outside the facility.  An incumbent works with community groups, recreational facilities to schedule and coordinate activities. A significant aspect of the work involves motivating clients/patients to participate in activities.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Oversees and instructs clients/patients in a variety of activities such as games, music, athletics, arts and crafts, swimming and exercise programs.
   
• Plans and organizes trips and special events.
   
• Observes and records progress, problems and/or incidents.
   
• Conducts initial and ongoing client/patient assessments and interest surveys.
   
• Develops, recommends, and implements approved activities treatment or goal attainment plan.  Participate as a member of the treatment team.
   
• Performs minor maintenance such as cleaning, lubricating and making mechanical adjustment to activity equipment.  Requisitions needed supplies.
   
• May drive van or school bus and/or assume responsibility for the care and safety of patients/clients on trips outside the facility.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of planning, organizing and leading individuals and groups in various recreational or leisure time activities.
• Knowledge of effective means of dealing with emotionally, mentally and/or physically handicapped persons.
• Knowledge of effective means of oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the therapeutic value of a wide variety of activities.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of performing minor maintenance on activity equipment.
• Ability to deal effectively with emotionally, mentally and/or physically handicapped persons.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to identify problem areas and assess the progress of patients or clients.
• Ability to operate motor vehicle equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to apply standard practices and procedures, training and judgement in the care and safety of patients, clients or residents.
• Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Activity Aide I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of conducting group activities.
2. Knowledge of working with persons with disabilities.
3. Knowledge of applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
4. Knowledge of narrative report writing.
5. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).