Recreational/Music Therapy and Services

Description

Jobs in this family utilize recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with illnesses, injuries, or disabling conditions.

Typical functions

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

  • Observe and report on client behavior.
  • Conduct planned client activities in recreational, music, and related therapy areas.
  • Assume responsibility for the personal needs and safety of the clients while in the activity area or during activity programs.

The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from assisting with therapeutic services work to professional administrative/managerial work.

Therapeutic Services Worker

This is a first-level position accountable for assisting professional or higher-level positions in making detailed preparations for, and in carrying out, planned client activities in recreational, occupational, physical, music, and related therapy areas.  At this level, employees learn activity techniques and their therapeutic applications as a means of developing the clients’ social skills, responsibility, and initiative, as well as their ability to cope with problems, gain self-satisfaction, and adapt to reality situations.  

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of general methods of preparing for and conducting planned sessions of group activities. Ability to learn the basic principles and methods of recreational, music, and other related therapeutic activities, and their application to the treatment of persons with mental illness and/or developmental or physical disabilities.

Typical qualifications

0-1 year of work experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G2

Senior Therapeutic Services Worker

This is a second-level vocational position accountable for planning, directing, and coordinating recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.  Responsible for assessing clients, performing treatment planning, facilitating activities, using and maintaining therapy equipment, and maintaining documentation.  Functions as a lead worker for lower-level positions.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous level: Knowledge of individual and group behavior and effective ways of working with clients.  Ability to establish and maintain client interest and participation in activities.

Typical qualifications

2 or more years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G4

Recreation/Music Therapist

This is a professional position accountable for planning, directing, and coordinating complex recreation-based or music-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.  Responsible for assessing clients, performing treatment planning, facilitating activities, using and maintaining therapy equipment, and maintaining documentation.  Supervises lower-level vocational positions and functions as a lead professional worker.  Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline.  Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of the principles and practices of recreational and/or music therapy.  Ability to observe clients’ progress and prepare reports.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G6

Recreation/Music Therapist Supervisor

This is a professional supervisory position accountable for planning, developing, directing, and coordinating a recreational and/or music therapy program designed to meet individual and group needs.  Consults with staff from other disciplines to integrate recreational and/or music therapy into the overall treatment program; monitors activities to ensure conformance to client and program objectives.  Supervises professional and vocational level positions.  Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline.  Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of the challenges and behaviors of persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and/or physical disabilities.  Ability to plan, implement, and supervise the activities and staff of a recreational and/or music therapy program.   

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 3 or more years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G8

Therapeutic Services Manager

This is a professional managerial position accountable for the management and coordination of a program of therapeutic activities including occupational, music, and recreation therapy units, and may include the volunteer services program.  In cooperation with medical and professional personnel, an employee at this level develops and directs the organization of a complex program to integrate all activity therapies with the total rehabilitation program.  Supervises professional positions.  Employee supervision includes hire recommendations, training, planning and assigning work, performance assessment, coaching, and progressive discipline.  Supervision at this level also requires these employees to have the knowledge and skills to perform and review the work overseen.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of the principles of supervision and training as applied to various fields of activity therapy.  Ability to make professional analyses of the therapeutic needs and progress of clients; and to coordinate and supervise staff in several professional fields and to maintain high standards of treatment.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, 5 or more years of relevant experience, and 1-2 years of supervisory experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)  

Pay grade
G13