ACTIVITY THERAPY ASSOCIATE I

07

MDH, Eastern Shore Hospital Center, Cambridge MD (Dorchester County)

This position will provide entry level activity therapy support work.  It will assist in the implementation of prescribed activity therapy programs and patient/client assessments for mentally ill, aged or physically ill or physically disabled patients or developmentally disabled clients who are residents of the Eastern Shore Hospital Center or community based programs.  Candidates in this classification may provide advice and guidance to direct care staff, students and volunteers.  Candidates in this classification will be responsible for learning to:  conduct prescribed therapeutic activities in art, music, dance, crafts, games aerobics, gymnastics, swimming, therapeutic recreation or social events for patients/clients; plan and organize therapeutic activities by assigning patients/clients to specific activity therapy groups and planning auxiliary structured activities; prepare for group activity sessions by setting up equipment and material, informing staff of the day's agenda and escorting patients to recreational area; observe patients'/clients' participation during activities in order to document progress in behavioral terms; motivate patients/client to participate in activity therapy sessions; recommend patients/clients for special activities such as off-grounds activities; and, participate in patient/client planning conferences as a member of a treatment team by reporting progress of patients/clients and effectiveness of the treatment in order to assist in patient/client assessments.

Education: Completion of 60 credits from an accredited college or university with at least 15 credits in health services, human services, education or the behavioral sciences.

Experience: None.

Notes: 1. Applicants may substitute two years of experience assisting in the implementation of prescribed activity therapy programs under the supervision of a healthcare professional to include assisting in patient/client assessments for mentally ill, aged, physically ill or physically disabled patients or developmentally disabled clients for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Therapy classifications or Therapy specialty codes in the Therapeutic Recreation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education. 

1. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of an automobile. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

2. Employees in some positions may be required to operate vehicles which require a Class “C” motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

3. Employees in this classification may be required to successfully complete and maintain current certification of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training.

4. Employees in positions at facilities with a swimming pool may be required to obtain Red Cross instruction and certification in Life Saving and Water Safety prior to permanent appointment.

Employees in this classification are subject to call-in and, therefore, will be required to provide the facility with a telephone number where they can be reached.

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201.  The paper application must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If unable to upload, please fax requested information only to 410-333-5689.  Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

The incumbent in this position is a member of a covered bargaining unit and will be required to pay a bi-weekly service fee to the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.