ENVIRONMENTAL THERAPY AIDE

 DEFINITION

 Under direction in a general therapy program, provides assistance
 in  the  areas of occupational therapy, music therapy, recreation
 therapy,  personal hygiene and grooming, and domestic arts;  does
 related work as required.

 NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for
 illustrative  purposes only.  A particular  position  using  this
 title   may   not  perform  all  duties  listed   in   this   job
 specification.  Conversely, all duties performed on the  job  may
 not be listed.

 EXAMPLES OF WORK:

 Conducts  classes  in  needlework, artwork,  metal  work,  basket
 weaving, leather work, and other arts and crafts.

 Prepares  and  lays  out  materials to  be  used  and  sees  that
 necessary precautions and safeguards are taken.

 Instructs patients in the principles of personal hygiene and good
 grooming.

 Teaches patients the rudiments of good housekeeping.

 Conducts cooking classes.

 Organizes and oversees social activities for patients.

 Teaches patients to dance.

 Organizes,  instructs, and supervises singing and  other  musical
 activities.

 Organizes, instructs, and supervises sports activities.

 Conducts physical fitness classes.

 Reports  on attendance, work output, and patients' attitudes  and
 progress.

 Is responsible for the cleanliness and good order of the unit.

 Maintains equipment in proper operating condition.

 Keeps necessary records.

 Will  be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or  manual  recording and information  systems  used  by  the
 agency, office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

      EXPERIENCE:

       One  (1) year of experience in work involved in the custody
 or  care  of  patients or in occupational, music,  or  recreation
 therapy or home economics work..

      LICENSE:

       Appointees  will be required to possess a driver's  license
 valid  in  New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle,  rather
 than  employee  mobility, is necessary to perform  the  essential
 duties of the position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge  of  the problems encountered in working in  a  therapy
 unit with persons who are mentally or physically ill.

 Knowledge of institutional routines and programs.

 Knowledge  of  equipment, materials, and  procedures  used  in  a
 general therapy program.

 Ability  to learn quickly from oral and written instructions  and
 from demonstrations.

 Ability  to  give simple instructions and routine  assistance  to
 patients  under  professional supervision  and  to  lay  out  and
 prepare equipment and supplies.

 Ability  to  establish and maintain and cooperative  relationship
 with   supervisory  officers,  professional  therapists,  working
 assistants, and patients.

 Ability to prepare records of patients' progress, materials used,
 and other reports.

 Ability to maintain established records and files.

 Ability  to  learn to utilize various types of electronic  and/or
 manual  recording  and information systems used  by  the  agency,
 office, or  related units.

 Ability  to  read,  write, speak, understand, or  communicate  in
 English  sufficiently  to perform the duties  of  this  position.
 American   Sign  Language or Braille may also  be  considered  
 as acceptable forms of  communication.

 Persons  with  mental or physical disabilities  are  eligible  as
 long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after
 reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.   
 If the  accommodation  cannot be made because it  would cause
 the employer undue  hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
01744@
L
C
  
N/A
03
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

 3/18/1997