Rehabilitation Therapies #49230

Rehabilitation Therapies , # 49230
Occupational Family: Health and Human Services
Pay Band Range: 3 - 6

Concept of Work

This Career Group provides career tracks for rehabilitation therapist who perform, lead and manage therapeutic rehabilitative services as part of a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. Employees perform responsibilities ranging from entry level to management. Some employees require certification or licensure in accordance to the Code of Virginia.

Roles Comprising This Group

These roles describe the collective characteristics of the work performed by employees in the Rehabilitation Therapies Career Group. The roles define the typical career paths for therapists who pursue careers such as: four types of licensed therapists (audiologist, speech/language pathologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist); and, two types of unlicensed therapists (recreation therapist and music therapist) and two types of assistants (certified occupational therapist assistant and licensed physical therapist assistant).

Although all of these occupations are therapists, each warrants a separate career track. Each of these career paths requires different knowledge, skills, and abilities and would not naturally lead to the other for career progression. However, a role for each of these occupations represents different levels of work, or career progression. Career paths may exist within a single role, extend to other roles in this Career Group, or to roles in other occupationally related Career Groups.

PAY BAND	PRACTITIONER ROLES	ROLE CODE	MANAGEMENT ROLES	ROLE CODE
3	Therapist Assistant Therapist I	49231
4	Therapist II	49232
5	Therapist III	49233	Therapy Manager I	49234
6			Therapy Manager II	49235

Role Descriptions

These roles are distinguished based upon the Compensable Factors of Complexity, Results, and Accountability and are used for position classification. These factors should be used for classification and compensation analysis. Recruitment and selection standards must be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated in the Employee Work Profile.

Therapist Assistant/Therapist I

Code: 49231

Pay Band: 3

SOC: 31-2000*
and 29-1125*

The Therapist Assistant/Therapist I role provides career tracks for the occupational and physical therapists assistants, recreational therapists, music and art therapists, and horticulture therapists. This role has dual career tracks based on licensure/certification requirements. The first track is for assistants to occupational therapists or physical therapists and requires certification or licensure by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy or National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy. The second track is for therapists leading various recreational activities where licensure/certification is not required.

Therapist Assistant (license or certification required)

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge acquired through formal education in an accredited program. Applies knowledge of principles and practices related to therapeutic interventions.
	Client assessments are based on information from standardized assessments (within practice guidelines), observations, medical records, caregivers, and clients. Response to treatment is assessed to enable appropriate progression within the parameters of the treatment plan. Work is performed within the parameters of established treatment plans and strategies. Treatment interventions may include instructing in daily living skills, sensory-motor integration skills, mobility skills, therapeutic exercises, and various physical treatment procedures. May be responsible for planning or leading group activities or classes.
RESULTS	Client receives educational information, guidance, and encouragement in performance of therapeutic activities. Plans for therapy are implemented. Client quality of life is improved. Promotes client independence.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Ensures that clients perform activities and progress toward goals in accordance with treatment plan. Records client progress for use by therapists. Communicates immediately any change in client condition requiring medical attention or re-evaluation. May provide direction to interns, students, or staff providing supportive services. Works under supervision of a licensed therapist.

Therapist I (license not required)

COMPLEXITY	Clients are assessed in leisure, recreation, and socialization skills based on information from standardized assessments, observations, medical staff, medical records, family, and clients. Plans, organizes, conducts, and modifies individual and group therapeutic interventions. Applies knowledge of principles and practices related to therapeutic program. Works as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team and in collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, other therapists, and other health care and vocation professionals. May be responsible for planning or leading group activities or classes. May be responsible for teaching clinical interns, students or staff. Client assessments are based on information from standardized assessments (within practice guidelines), observations, medical records, caregivers, and clients.
RESULTS	Client’s physical, mental, and social well being is encouraged. Client’s depression, stress, and anxiety are reduced. Client’s needs, interests, and choices are supported. Clients learn new leisure skills. Clients experience exercise, mental stimulation, and creativity through recreation and leisure activities.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Provides clients with opportunities for physical activity, mental stimulation, creativity, and fun by the use of leisure activities, arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, horticulture, and community outings. Evaluates and reports client progress. May provide guidance to interns, students, and staff providing supportive services.

Therapist II

Code: 49232

Pay Band: 4

SOC: 29-1120*

The Therapist II role provides career tracks for three types of therapists having varying responsibilities and licensing requirements. The first type is the recreation therapist who supervises or leads other recreation therapists and has no licensure requirements. The second type is for speech-language pathologists who assess, treat, and help prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders. The third is audiologists who identify, assess, and manage auditory, balance, and other neural systems. Both the speech-language pathologist and the audiologist are required to be licensed by the Virginia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

The two matrices describe the (1) supervisory and lead (non-licensed) recreation therapist and the (2) non-supervisory licensed entry to journey level audiologists and speech-language pathologists.

Therapist II (RT Leadership)

COMPLEXITY	Conducts assessments, develops and implements treatment plans and intervention techniques, and evaluates results. Requires in-depth knowledge in area of specialization. Works as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team. May require the application of knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.
RESULTS	Therapeutic interventions are carried out in accordance with program plans. Program and services meet the needs of clients and are in accordance with agency and accrediting body standards.
ACCOUNTABILITY	May supervise professional staff or programs. Decisions affect the efficiency and quality of service delivery. Program data shows progress. Client record indicates participation in appropriate recreation/leisure activities.

Therapist II (SLP/Aud)

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge acquired through formal education in an accredited program. Conducts client evaluations and re-evaluations using numerous standardized and informal assessment tools. Interprets assessment data to make diagnoses and develop scientifically based treatment plans that meet individual client needs. Works in collaboration with physicians, psychologists, social workers, other therapists, and other health care and vocation professionals. Works as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Selects and implements appropriate therapeutic interventions based on client needs. May design and fabricate adaptive equipment and instruct clients in its use. Provides education to professionals, paraprofessionals, families, and caregivers regarding specific communication and cognitive disabilities and management techniques.
RESULTS	Clients develop or recover reliable communication, auditory, and cognitive skills that enable them to meet educational, vocational, social, and independent living goals. Program and services meet the needs of clients and are in accordance with agency and accrediting body standards.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Documents client initial evaluation, progress, and problems. Documentation affects reimbursement to the organization. Decisions affect the efficiency and quality of service delivery.

These two roles provide a dual career track for therapists.

Therapist III	Code: 49233	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 29-1120*
Therapy Manager I	Code: 49234	Pay Band: 5	SOC: 11-9111*

The Therapist III role provides career tracks for four distinct licensed therapists performing responsibilities ranging from entry level to first line supervisor. The first is occupational therapists that help clients improve ability to perform tasks in daily living and working environments. The second group is for physical therapists that help clients restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Occupational and Physical therapists provide direct therapy services to clients with some positions concentrating on more comprehensive and specialized treatment approaches. The third and fourth groups of therapists are audiologists and speech pathologists that supervise audiologists and speech pathologists. License by the appropriate regulatory board is required for all of these positions.

Therapist III

COMPLEXITY	Applies knowledge acquired through formal education in an accredited program. Numerous evaluative tools are used to assess needs and evaluate progress toward goals. May design and fabricate adaptive equipment and instruct clients in its use. Selects and implements appropriate therapeutic interventions based on individual client needs. Works in collaboration with physicians, psychologists, social workers, other therapists, and other health care and vocation professionals. Works as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Some positions require knowledge of supervisory practices and principles. May instruct other clinical professionals in areas of expertise in assessment and treatment techniques.
RESULTS	Daily living and work skills as well as overall fitness and health are developed, recovered, or promoted. Clients progress toward identified goals for independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Plans and implements programs. Documents activities and progress, modifying therapeutic interventions when necessary. Documentation affects reimbursement to the organization. Some positions lead or supervise professionals and paraprofessionals or may take a team leadership/mentoring position in specific areas of expertise. Independently identifies problems and provides services to clients.

The Therapy Manager I role provides a career path for managers responsible for planning and directing speech and audiology diagnostic and therapy services. The Virginia Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology requires licensure of these employees.

Therapy Manager I

COMPLEXITY	Plans and implements speech, language and hearing services. Coordinates services with other programs. May instruct other clinical professionals on disorders of speech and hearing. Applies knowledge acquired through formal education in an accredited program. Applies knowledge of management principles and practices.
RESULTS	A high-quality comprehensive speech and hearing diagnostic and therapy program. Tests and treatments for impaired hearing and communication are available to relevant client groups.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Develops, manages, plans, organizes, directs, controls, and coordinates programs. Manages fiscal aspects of program in accordance with all legal and regulatory guidelines. Evaluates program standards and assesses client progress based on program and individual objectives. Oversees staff and administrative and clinical functions. Accountable for program performance. Keeps abreast of the most recent developments in testing and treatment in order to evaluate and recommend modern clinical procedures and testing and treatment equipment. Develops, plans, and administers the training program for student interns, therapy aides, and others.

Therapy Manager II

Code: 49235

Pay Band: 6

SOC: 11-1999*

The Therapy Manger II role provides career tracks for managers responsible for planning and directing an occupational or physical therapy program that may include other rehabilitative therapies. The Virginia Boards of Medicine or Physical Therapy requires licensure of these employees.

Therapy Manager II

COMPLEXITY	Responsibility exists for planning and directing a wide range of therapeutic services in a number of operational work units. May also provide direct therapy services. Coordinates program development and modifications with other services to ensure that clients receive fully integrated services. Prepares and delivers lectures in area of expertise to other clinical professionals and students. Applies knowledge acquired through formal education in an accredited program. Applies knowledge of comprehensive therapeutic rehabilitative services. Applies knowledge of management principles and practices.
RESULTS	A high-quality comprehensive rehabilitative therapy program. Program complies with accreditation and certification standards governing service delivery.
ACCOUNTABILITY	Develops, manages, plans, organizes, directs, controls, and coordinates programs. Evaluates program standards and assesses client progress based on program and individual objectives. Oversee staff and administrative and clinical functions. Develops, plans, and administers the training program for student interns, therapy aides, and others. Keeps abreast of the most recent developments in testing and treatment in order to evaluate and recommend modern clinical procedures and testing and treatment equipment. Accountable for program performance.

*Statistical Reporting

This Career Group includes, but is not limited to, those in the following Standard Occupational Classifications:

11-9111	Medical & Health Services Managers
29-1120	Therapists
29-1121	Audiologists
29-1122	Occupational Therapists
29-1123	Physical Therapists
29-1124	Recreational Therapists
31-2000	Occupational & Physical Therapist Assistants & Aide
31-2011	Occupational Therapist Assistants
31-2021	Physical Therapists Assistants
29-1127	Speech-Language Pathologists
29-1129	Therapists, All Others

New Effective Date: 11/01/01

History

Previous class titles (listed by new role title).

Therapy Assistant/Therapist I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
43161	Occupational Therapist Assistant	7
44313	Physical Therapist Assistant	7
43053	Recreation Therapist	7
43051	Music Therapist	8

Therapist II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
43054	Recreation Therapist-Senior	9
43055	Recreation Therapy Supervisor	10
41081	Audiologist	11
43031	Speech Pathologist	11

Therapist III

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
41082	Audiologist Supervisor	12
43032	Speech Pathologist Supervisor	12
43162	Occupational Therapist	12
43163	Occupational Therapist Senior	13
43171	Occupational Therapy Supervisor	13
43021	Physical Therapist Institution	12
43028	Physical Therapist Senior	13
43023	Physical Therapy Supervisor Institution	14

Therapy Manager I

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
41083	Speech and Hearing Services Administrator	13
43033	Speech Pathology and Audiology Director	13

Therapy Manager II

CLASS CODE	CLASS TITLE	GRADE
43172	Occupational Therapy Director	15
43025	Physical Therapy Director	15