JOB TITLE: COMMUNITY BASED ACTIVITY THERAPISTS

REPORTS TO: PROGRAM COORDINATOR

JOB OVERVIEW

Community Based Activity Therapists assist the intellectually disabled population with increasing their ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADL's) by teaching skill set based tasks in the most functional way in a community setting. The Community Based Activity Therapists will promote community integration by accompanying the program participants on a one on one basis to engage in recreational activities to help them increase their overall socialization and improve their communication skills. Community Based Activity Therapists should take an individualized approach when serving the program participants, and carry out the program's mission statement, as well as the agency's vision out in the community setting. The Community Based Activity Therapists are expected to work in conjunction with The Agency's BCBA, and other therapists (Speech, Occupational, and Physical) to implement any other plans or staff guidelines. Community Based Activity Therapists should report to the Day Program's Coordinator, and will not have any subordinates reporting to them.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Follow the Participant's Individual Service Plans to assure that their daily activities align with their individual goals while working in the community setting.
• Adhere to the agency's incident reporting policies and procedures, and report all incidents per state mandate.
• Contribute to client's individualized plan of care with opportunity to help them function most efficiently in the community, with opportunity to grow in the work field.
• Complete all necessary trainings required to succesfully complete their job role while within the allotted training time frames mandated by the DDD Guidelines.
• Have an insured, operable, and registered vehicle to be able to transport individuals to and from the community outing.
• Establish positive relationships with the individual being served, as well as their family members, and/or caregivers and guardians.
• Communicate any concerns or issues to program coordinator in a timely fashion.
• Adhere to the agency's confidentiality policy, and keep HIPAA related information private.
• Must be able to administer medications (will be medication trained in house), and complete ongoing trainings to remain certified.
• Take an individualized approach when engaging the service recipients, and tailor to their specific needs, while engaging in the community.
• While employed or thereafter, have to comply with investigations with DDD, OOL, DHS, APS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Highschool Diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years experience in the social service field serving the intellectually disabled population, or Associate's Degree, in related field.
• Strong communication skills, awareness of advocacy needs, empathetic towards others, strong willingness to learn, concrete boundaries, and reliable.
• Basic time keeping, reading, and math skills are required.
• Clean driving record, with little or no points, able to produce a driving abstract at time of interview, and be able to drive a company van, following all NJ Motor Vehicles driving requirements.
• CPR/1st Aid preferred, but willing to train. Crisis management also preferred but will train in house.
• Valid NJ Driver's License
• The ability to climb stairs, check under furniture at floor level, and lift up to 50 pounds is required. The physical ability to assist in lifting may be required.
• Required to pass a background check and record verification, as well as complete finger printing process prior to hire.