RECREATION THERAPY AIDE

Code: 03042@ Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under close supervision of a Recreation Therapist or a Senior Recreation Therapy Aide, performs routine subprofessional tasks involved in assisting a recreation therapist; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Under close supervision, plans and conducts a program of activity involving routine and repetitive subprofessional work of a specialized nature.
• Distributes materials to patients for use in treatment activities.
• Organizes assigned work for concerned patients.
• Assists in teaching skills to patients and maintains suitable standards of performance and work output.
• Reports on attendance, work output, and patient reaction to activity subject to review by a professional recreation therapist.
• Is responsible for cleanliness and good order of the unit.
• Maintains concerned equipment in proper operating condition.
• Keeps essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

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, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the aims of recreation therapy after a period of training.
• Ability to instruct patients and to maintain their participation in the activity.
• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with professional and other personnel and patients.
• Ability to present facts, comments, and observations in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and tact.
• 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.

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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

At this level, recreation therapy aides perform a variety of tasks which require limited knowledge of work procedures and understanding of the types of equipment and materials used in recreation therapy but with no previous work experience.

At the beginning of each new task, recreation therapy aides receive specific instructions concerning work methods and procedures to be followed. These require strict adherence to guidelines and precise attention to detail. Work is closely checked by a professional therapist or a higher level recreation therapy aide for satisfactory completion of work assigned.