Alaska Children's Services

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES*

The Activity Therapist is responsible for the provision of individual and group skill development services to the students. In addition to skill development and instruction, duties include: crisis intervention, advocacy, assessment, interdisciplinary teamwork, and community liaison. Under the supervision of the Community Programs Coordinator, activity therapists are responsible for implementing appropriate treatment strategies and for timely and satisfactory documentation. The activity therapist adheres to standards and regulations as set forth by the agency, The Joint Commission, OCS licensing, DMHDD, and Medicaid. The activity therapist is expected to abide by all safety rules and regulations of the agency. The responsibilities of the activity therapist are carried out according to ACS policies, the ACS mission, and the ACS philosophy of care. Assumes additional duties as assigned.

*All positions at Alaska Children’s Services may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

SUPERVISION AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES

The Community Program’s Activity Therapists are directly supervised by the Community Programs Coordinator (CPC). Scheduling of individual/group skill development sessions, job performance evaluations, student consultations, and all other aspects of the job are coordinated and supervised by the CPC.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The Activity Therapist must have demonstrated the ability to relate to children/adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems and their families in a variety of community settings. S/he must also demonstrate the following abilities: ability to engage in vigorous physical and recreational activities; communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; knowledge of community resources for children and adolescents; work a flexible schedule; function on an interdisciplinary treatment team and independently handle crisis situations in the community using sound judgment, intervention skills, and appropriate use of supervisory guidance. A valid Alaska driver’s license and use of an adequately insured vehicle is required. The Activity Therapist must also be able to demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to serving a culturally diverse and/or special needs population.

Education and Experience: The Activity Therapist must have a minimum of two years college education in a related field (psychology, counseling, or social work) or two years direct care human services job experience working with emotionally disturbed children/adolescents, or any combination of both equaling two years. S /he must be at least twenty-one years of age. A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Activity Therapist must be able to drive and transport self and student(s) in their own vehicle or in an agency van within the Anchorage Municipality. The ability to physically manage students ages three to eighteen years, according to ACS Behavior Management policies and procedures; move quickly throughout home and community recreation settings in order to monitor/supervise student activities is required. The Activity Therapist must be able to legibly produce reports regarding students; supervise and assist students in home and community settings; actively participate in the cleaning and general upkeep of agency property; and be able to teach, supervise and participate in recreational and leisure time activities.