IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

 

CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES

 

ACTIVITIES SERIES

 

CLASSES IN THE SERIES

 

Class Code

Class Title

 

 

02105

Activities Aide

02107

Activities Assistant

02110/82110

Activities Specialist 1

02111/82111

Activities Specialist 2

02112/82112

Activities Specialist Supervisor

02115

Director of Activities

 

SERIES CONCEPT

This series includes classes which involve treating, instructing, planning or directing in a therapeutic activities program at a state institution.  The purpose of the program is to provide therapeutically designed mental, physical and expressive activities for institutional residents.  In reviewing positions and programs one will find positions that are involved only in one specialty or in a combination of them depending on the program established by the institution.  In most instances the activities program is part of the medically prescribed treatment approach used by an institution.  Positions in class codes 82110, 82111 and 82112 are for positions located in Department of Corrections institutions that meet the requirements of the protection occupation retirement system.

 

EXCLUSIONS

Positions performing treatment work with institutional residents in areas other than therapeutic activities are classified within their own series (i.e., physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, speech pathology, psychology, drug abuse counseling, social work or vocational rehabilitation).

 

CLASS DISTINCTIONS

 

Activities Aide

This class includes positions which provide basic support and assistance in carrying out treatment plans in an activities program for residents at a state institution.  The nature of the specific activity program can vary widely and usually includes such modalities as arts and crafts, ceramics, leisure time recreation, instrumental music, vocal music, physical recreation, etc.

 

The factors listed below are used to distinguish positions in this class from those in the Activities Assistant class.  The factors are to be applied as a whole so that no single factor will necessarily constitute justification for reallocation of a position to the next higher level.

 

1.            Positions at the Aide level normally do not have a role in diagnostic assessment or testing.  If such a role does exist at this level it would involve basic assessments of the residents functional level.  At the Assistant level, if the role exists, it would involve use of informal assessment tools or check lists which can be readily ascertained by visual observations or informal interviews.

2.            Positions at the Aide level, except on an occasional basis, do not generally give input or suggestions to higher level staff on treatment goals and objectives.  At the Assistant level they are expected to do this in the absence of the Specialist or with a small caseload for a limited duration.

3.            Positions at the Aide level will do the basic planning and preparation for daily activities, projects or therapy to meet the treatment goals.  At the Assistant level the position would also be involved in planning special, non-routine activities or projects such as off grounds trips.

4.            Positions at the Aide level are responsible for setting up equipment or supplies to be used.  The Aide is usually assigned responsibility for clean up following scheduled activities.  Positions at the Assistant level do not perform such work except on an occasional basis.

5.            Positions at the Aide level do not attend treatment team meetings except on an occasional basis to provide input.  At the Assistant level positions do attend treatment team meetings primarily to provide input when the Specialist is absent.

6.            Positions at the Aide level generally have little contact with other professional inter-disciplinary staff outside the Activities Department.  At the Assistant level the position will have more contact with the inter-disciplinary staff to coordinate schedules and discuss treatment and behavior.

 

Activities Assistant

This class includes positions which provide paraprofessional support and assistance in carrying out treatment plans in an activities program for residents at a state institution.  The factors listed above distinguish the Activities Assistant from Activities Aide.  In addition, many positions also have leadwork responsibilities over Activities Aides.

 

The Activities Assistant is distinguished from Activities Specialist in that the Specialist is considered the professional level.  The Specialist is responsible for combining professional knowledge with the fundamental theory, concepts and objectives of activity therapy to develop plans to meet the treatment goals and objectives of residents.  The Activities Assistant helps the Specialist in these areas, but is not considered to be a professional.

 

Activities Specialist 1

This is the first professional level in the series.  Positions at this level work with an inter-disciplinary treatment team to assess the residents’ needs and then plan a therapeutic activity program to meet them.  The employee will then evaluate, report and advise on the resident’s progress.  Treatment plans will be revised when the residents’ progress indicates such is necessary.

 

Activities Specialist 2

Positions at this level are responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating at least one element (i.e., recreation, arts, crafts or music therapy) of an institution’s activities program or all aspects of an activities program for a unit of an institution.  This would include such things as developing policies and procedures, preparing budget requests and monitoring expenditures, preparing purchase requests for needed equipment and supplies.  Many positions have leadwork responsibilities for Activities Specialist 1, Activities Assistants and Activities Aide positions.

 

Activities Specialist Supervisor

Positions at this level perform similarly administrative functions as positions classified as Activities Specialist 2.  In addition to the administrative responsibilities the positions have full supervisory responsibilities over Activities Specialist 1, Activities Assistant and Activities Aide positions.  These positions are exempt from collective bargaining provisions.

 

Director of Activities

Positions at this level are responsible for the overall administration of an institution’s entire activities program.  This includes supervision, development of policies and procedures, planning, directing, budgeting, coordinating and evaluating the various multiple elements (i.e., recreation, art, music, crafts, etc.) that make up the entire program.  Positions that supervise or administer only one of the programs would be classified at the Activities Specialist 2 or Activities Specialist 2 (Supervisor) level.

 

Effective Date:      10/06    JG