Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established June 15, 1993

Scope

This specification describes two levels of classes in the Department of Corrections that develop, implement, perform and/or lead the occupational therapy services in State correctional facilities and do other related work. All classes in this series are responsible to maintain order and supervise the conduct of inmates and maintain the safety of person and property; to prevent escapes of and injury by persons committed to the Department of Corrections to themselves or others or to property; to maintain security of working areas and work materials; to inspect premises and search inmates for contraband, such as weapons or illegal drugs.

Definition of Series

The Occupational Therapist series describes two classes used by the Department of Corrections to develop, implement, perform and/or lead the occupational therapy services in State correctional facilities and do other related work. Incumbents in these classes, under direction, work as assigned with the psychiatrically, physically and developmentally disabled patients in a clinic or unit program.

Typical tasks of incumbents include to develop and implement the occupational therapy program based on initial assessments of patients' physical and mental disabilities and coordinate these activities with the other institutional programs; working with the therapeutic team, plan treatment goals to maintain or improve motivation, work approach, physical or emotional condition; utilize recognized therapeutic techniques in working toward these goals with groups or individuals; train technical and nontechnical assistance and instruct health care providers in the use of suitable therapeutic activities and adapted equipment for the continuation of treatment; promote acceptable social behavior in patients through various occupational therapy modalities designed to maintain or improve mental and physical potential; may act as the representative of a university or occupational therapy school in supervising students during clinical training; administer occupational therapy treatments in accordance with the prescription of the physician in charge of each case or appropriate treatment team referral; assess ability, capability, treatment and program needs of psychiatrically, physically and developmentally disabled inmates, which may include activities of daily living, cognitive function, physical strength, limitations and equipment adaptation; may implement, supervise or assist with patients' occupational therapy treatment program; educate other personnel to understand and cooperate with the physical and psychological objectives of occupational therapy; attend medical and administrative conferences; observe patients' reactions and progress and record clinical notes to be included in medical file; prepare reports; assist in the preparation of the budget and order necessary equipment and supplies; care for equipment and facilities.

Definition of Levels

Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility

This is the entry level in this series. Incumbent, under direction, works as assigned with the psychiatrically, physically and developmentally disabled patients in a clinic or unit program of a State correctional facility. Promotion is to the class of Senior Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility.

Senior Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility

This is the journey level in this series. Incumbent, under general direction, develops, implements and leads the operations of the occupational therapy program of a State correctional facility and coordinates these activities with other institutional programs; trains technical and nontechnical assistants; performs occupational therapy work.

Minimum Qualifications

Both Levels:

Registration with the National Registry of the American Occupational Therapy Association or eligibility for such registration. (Applicants who have completed the academic training required for registration will be admitted to the civil service examination, but they must also have completed the required clinical training before they will be considered eligible for appointment.)

Senior Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility

One year of supervised staff experience in occupational therapy.

Knowledge and Abilities

Both Levels:

Knowledge of: Theory and practice of mental and physical rehabilitation of mentally and physically disabled persons; therapeutic techniques and modalities used in occupational therapy, and possess skill in their application; basic pathology of diseases and disabilities which result in physical, psychiatric or organic disorders of the patient; human growth and development; construction and use of special equipment.

Ability to: Interpret occupational therapy treatments to staff, health care providers, patients, and others; teach others; prepare reports and records to be included in medical file; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; establish and maintain cooperative interrelationships with individuals and groups.

Senior Occupational Therapist, Correctional Facility

Knowledge of: In addition to the above, principles of effective in-service training.

Ability to: In addition to the above, plan and implement a comprehensive occupational therapy program for an institution; train and lead the work of others; communicate effectively.

Special Personal Characteristics

Both Levels:

Empathetic understanding of patients of a State correctional facility including physically, mentally and developmentally disabled persons; willingness to work in a State correctional facility; alertness; keenness of observation; tact; patience; and emotional stability.

Special Physical Characteristics

Both Levels:

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of inmates.

Assignments may include sole responsibility for the supervision of inmates and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Class History