THERAPIST MOVEMENT

Definition

Under the supervision of a physician or other supervisory officer in the Department of Human Services or in a local government jurisdiction, assists in the design and implementation of a movement therapy program, uses movement and other non-verbal techniques to accomplish treatment goals, plans movement activities to aide in the restoration, maintenance and improvement of disabled patients, may supervise the work of and participate in the training of therapy aides; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Evaluates patients to determine the benefits of a movement therapy program.
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team to analyze patients; develops and evaluates treatment plans.
• Plans and conducts movement therapy programs to further the emotional and physical integration of patients.
• Requisitions and maintains movement therapy equipment and supplies.
• Teaches traditional and non-traditional movement using professional therapy principles and practices.
• Participates in special movement events and other related activities.
• Cooperates with other health care professionals to identify and evaluate patient's goals and progress; modifies treatment plans when appropriate.
• May participate in the clinical training of student therapists.
• May supervise the work of volunteers, aides, and technicians, and participate in the training of therapy aides.
• Prepares reports.
• Maintains records and files.
• 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree with a major course of study in Dance, Dance Therapy or Dance Education.

Experience

One (1) year of experience providing movement therapy.

License

Appointee 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 principles, theories and techniques of movement therapy.
• Knowledge of the methods used to evaluate patient progress.
• Knowledge of the various types of disabilities affecting special populations and the types of movement therapy programs used in treatment.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to modify and adapt movement therapy to specific individual needs.
• Knowledge of the methods used in individual and group diagnostic assessments.
• Knowledge of the care and use of movement therapy equipment and supplies.
• Ability to communicate with and motivate patients of varying backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and organize movement therapy programs.
• Ability to observe, assess, record and report patient behavior as it relates to patient progress.
• Ability to provide movement therapy to disabled patients.
• Ability to identify and evaluate patient goals and progress.
• Ability to provide assignments, instructions and guidance to assigned staff.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those involved in the work of the program.
• Ability to prepare reports.
• Ability to maintain 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.

Note

The 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.

For positions not requiring certification, a Master's degree in one of the above fields may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Applicants may be required to possess a certification as a Dance Therapist Registered issued by the American Dance Therapy Association. This certification meets the above education requirement.

Applicants who possess the higher level of certification, the Academy of Dance Therapist Registered, issued by the American Dance Therapy Association, are considered to have met the above certification requirement.