ACTIVITIES THERAPIST II- CERMAK

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Correctional Psychologist and Correctional Psychologist, directs, coordinates, and develops activity programs for the purpose of occupational and expressive arts therapy. Assist patients in sessions of activity and expressive arts. Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Duties

• Assesses the patient's social and emotional needs as part of the overall evaluation and implementation of a therapy program.
• Uses professional judgment and creativity in presenting several alternatives or innovative solutions to problems encountered in activity therapy.
• Observes, supervises and assists patients working on activities that require the use of pointed or sharp tools or instruments.
• Respects the confidentiality of patient records and uses complete discretion when discussing patient matters with clinical and correctional staff: restricts al patient materials to CCDOC complex.
• Receives and orientates new patients to the activity and expressive arts programming.
• Determines which activities should be carried out by the various patients according to the patient's limitations.
• Documents patient progress and behavior while engaged in activities in the clinical record.
• Attends and participates as a multidisciplinary staff member at patient clinical staffing.
• Advises appropriate clinical personnel of situations requiring follow-up attention, i.e. suicidal issues.
• Familiarizes self with educational materials provided by the activity therapy department to prevent display of patient art containing gang signs and symbolism.
• Maintains control of inventory and equipment; orders and dispenses activity supplies.
• Checks supplies which need to be repaired and replaced.
• Presents staff development and in-service training to clinical members of the department concerning therapy programs.
• Prepares materials for patient activities including film showings, games, music therapy, reading and decorating.
• Interviews and evaluates patients for the purpose of assignment to activity groups.
• Records, compiles and prepares various reports on monthly statistics of patient activities.
• Maintains good public relations with associated disciplines, including development and implementation of educational staff in-service programs.
• Invites associated staff to visit and experience expressive therapy groups to promote understanding and cooperation between disciplines.
• Supervises Interns in Master's degree programs seeking degree in same profession as activity staff.
• Leads and/or co-leads groups with psychology interns, externs, and other clinical staff.
• Adheres to general orders of Cook County Department of Corrections, policies and procedures of Cermak Health Services and policies of Cook County Government.

• Master's degree in Expressive Therapy, Recreational Therapy, or related field from an accredited college or university is required. (Must provide official transcripts at time of interview)
• Registered and/or Board Certified with the American Art Therapy Association or related organization is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview)

• Prior experience with chronically mental ill patients is preferred.
• Bilingual, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Through knowledge of the departments policies and procedures of the Expressive Arts Therapy program.
• Knowledge of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment modalities.
• Skill in the use of arts and crafts, paints, etc.
• Demonstrate skills at innovative program development strategies and assumes responsibility a self-directed professional for ongoing program development.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills, ability to document and report clearly and concisely.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clinical and correctional staff.
• Ability to use time effectively.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to communicate, motivate, and work with patients who demonstrates irritability or poor impulse control, and to help support and develop intact areas of functioning skills and talents.
• Ability to establish a productive rapport while working with a wide variety of mentally ill patients.
• Ability to organize and achieve quality performance in clinical group leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain safety and security of supplies by checking and counting all tools, supplies and materials in use and stored.
• Demonstrates an awareness and concern for patient safety and security matters.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER'S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement for nursing-related programs
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.