Rev. 5/98

City of San José

THERAPEUTIC SPECIALIST (FT) (7112)
THERAPEUTIC SPECIALIST (PT) (7113)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general supervision, is responsible for work of moderate difficulty in developing and implementing a variety of specialized therapeutic recreation programs and human services for disabled persons. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Plans, organizes, conducts, and evaluates specialized programs, leisure activities and special events for mentally, physically and neurologically disabled individuals of all ages including components of the Special Olympics program.
• Plans and conducts community integration experiences, cultural and community outings and wilderness experiences for individuals with varying disabilities.
• Plans, organizes, directs and supervises swimming, swim instruction and water safety programs and special events for disabled persons of all ages.
• Provides specialized training for aquatics staff and volunteers in various areas, including emergency procedures, disabilities and various types of therapy.
• Plans, organizes and directs aquatics activities in conjunction with other agencies and organizations.
• Plans and conducts events promoting disability awareness, public awareness of City therapeutic services, and related events.
• Interacts with community groups and agencies to identify and determine leisure needs and interests of the special population being served. Provides information and referrals to the community regarding available programs, including developing and disseminating publicity through all forms of media.
• Participates in the preparation and operation of the budget in assigned program areas such as Teen clubs, young adult programs and special events.
• Supervises and trains employees assigned to the unit.
• Recruits, interviews and places volunteers in the therapeutic programs.
• Performs facility scheduling and supervision of community use, rentals, and activities conducted at designated sites.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   An employee in this class performs specialized assignments in developing and conducting a variety of therapeutic recreation programs and activities targeted toward disabled persons. This class differs from Therapeutics Supervisor in that incumbents of the latter are responsible for developing and supervising major City-wide therapeutic programs related to disabled persons. This class differs from Senior Recreation Leader in that incumbents of that class are involved in direct line provisions of general recreation activities.

   For positions with responsibility for the total operation of a year-round adapted aquatics program, the selective certification process will be utilized, requiring knowledge of swimming techniques, lifeguarding, pool hazards, safety precautions, the principles and practices of public recreation as they relate to swimming pool operation, the ability to plan, organize and direct a recreational aquatics program for disabled persons of all ages and train and supervise personnel engaged in adapted aquatics programming.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of various recreation activities such as sports, games, arts, crafts, dramatics and music as they pertain to disabled persons.
• Knowledge and understanding of disabling conditions and their service and safety needs.
• Knowledge of various service providers in the community.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Ability to relate effectively with disabled persons, fellow employees and the public.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct a variety of special therapeutic recreation activities.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of record keeping and basic budgeting principles.
• Ability to train employees and volunteers in the various technical aspects of working with disabled persons.
• Ability to provide special programs for special groups such as mentally, physically and neurologically disabled adults and youths.

Education
   Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Recreation and Leisure Services, Therapeutic Recreation, or closely related field.

Experience
   One (1) year of full-time recreation leadership, programming experience, or swimming pool management experience, including six (6) months specialized experience in therapeutic recreation programs serving disabled individuals.

Acceptable Substitutions
   Additional years of increasingly responsible recreation leadership, programming experience, or swimming pool management experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis for up to two (2) years. There will be no substitute for the required one (1) year of full-time recreation leadership, programming experience or swimming pool management experience, including six (6) months of specialized experience.

Licenses/Certificates

• As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.
• Possession of a current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor's Certificate may be required.
• Possession of a standard First Aid and Basic Life Support Certificate, as required by the State Department of Health may be required.
• Possession of a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certificate may be required.

(4/85), (Rev. 4/92), (Rev. 5/93), (Rev. 5/98)
7112s002.doc