THERAPEUTIC TECHNICIAN

Definition

Under direction performs a variety of paraprofessional work in the implementation of social service programs involving the gathering/recording of social, financial, historical, and other significant information as well as providing services to clients; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Gathers financial, medical, social, and other pertinent information from clients, relatives, and other agencies.
• Develops effective communication and rapport with clients.
• Performs supportive social services for clients as part of a treatment plan.
• Works with clients and their families in creating a therapeutic environment conducive to recovery and/or improvement for the client's condition.
• Applies mental hygiene principles in all relationships with clients.
• Makes field visits to investigate/gather information on client's situation necessary to determine a plan of service.
• Promotes the well being of clients.
• May assist in projects/surveys for the agency and in gathering other routine data.
• Organizes groups and activities for social, recreational, and educational purposes.
• Develops, encourages, and participates in clients' activities on both an individual and group basis.
• May assist in the implementation of occupational, recreational, physical, and/or vocational rehabilitation programs.
• Observes clients and participates in group/social therapy and other activity sessions.
• Observes patient's condition/behavior, and informs supervisor of unusual situations/conditions.
• Motivates patients to develop self reliance in dealing with daily living.
• Relates to clients on a one to one basis developing a continued pattern of contact to promote their well being, reality orientation, social interaction, and situational adjustment.
• Informs clients of their rights, benefits, activities, and opportunities available and assists them in utilizing them accordingly.
• Plans activities and participates in them with clients to provide leadership and adequate supervision.
• Deals directly with clients to implement specific aspects of the therapeutic program, having responsibility for observing clients, ascertaining their progress/development and preparing summary notes on their observations.
• Interviews clients to gather specific information and completes forms/documents containing the information gathered.
• Accompanies clients to various activities, trips, and appointments, and supervises their behavior in the process.
• Organizes information into a predetermined format to prepare reports which require the writing of descriptive narratives including findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• May make presentations to special groups and the general public on activities of the unit.
• May serve as liaison between clients/relatives and other agencies with regards to activities of the unit.
• Contacts and maintains cooperative relationships with other social agencies in the community.
• May assist in maintaining records and files.
• Accompanies clients to other agencies/institutions.
• Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• 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

Satisfactory completion of 60 semester hour credits from an accredited college or university.

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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of sociological and psychological principles and theories and their implementation.
• Knowledge of individual and group behavior theories.
• Knowledge of individual and community health problems.
• Knowledge of the objective and activities of social agencies and accepted practices in implementing them.
• Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and objectives of the organization.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, individuals and their families, social organizations, and the general public.
• Ability to collect and make correct appraisals of factual information and social relationships of individuals and families.
• Ability to obtain significant facts in an individual or family situation, and weigh/evaluate such facts accordingly.
• Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability 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, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 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.

Applicants who do not meet the education requirement may substitute work experience in a social service, health, or community agency having responsibility for gathering social information from clients, determining their needs, and planning/implementing plans to address individual needs on a year- for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.