Activities Therapist

Activities Therapist

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Activities Therapist

Salary

$84,396.96 - $97,697.52 Annually

Location

Sacramento, CA

Job Type

Intermittent - 1560

Job Number

27611-D

Department

DHHS - Health & Human Services

Opening Date

11/01/2016

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

The Position

This is a continuous filing exam. The next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on:

6/26/26, 9/28/26, 12/28/26

Under direction, the Activities Therapist plans and performs therapeutic rehabilitation activities and functional life skills assessments for patients with a psychiatric or co-occurring disorder by using the principles and practices of recreation therapy. Activities Therapists work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Examples of Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of

• Principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute care psychiatric facility

• Basic characteristics of mental and emotional disorders, appropriate assessment techniques for planning and delivering recreation therapy services

• A variety of individual and group facilitation techniques

principles and techniques of recreation therapy as applies in an acute care psychiatric facility

• Basic medical and psychiatric terminology

• Basic regulations governing the treatment of people in psychiatric health facilities.

• Principles and practices of community mental health, with emphasis in the interrelationship between public and community agencies in a coordinated service delivery system

Ability to

• Conceptualize and plan appropriate recreation therapy programs for patients with mental disabilities

• Adapt treatment programs by graduating tasks to meet patient's level of function

• Work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team

• Use basic medical and psychiatric terminology

• Lead and instruct patients in recreational and social activities

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Employment Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

License Certificate Registration Requirement:

1. *Current certification as a Recreation Therapist by either the

(a) California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, or

(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

OR

1. *Current license as an Occupational Therapist by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

OR

1. *, **Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for a Recreation Therapist certificate issued by either the

(a) Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification; or

(b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification

OR

1. *, **Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for an Occupational Therapist license issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

*Note: Failure to maintain the appropriate certification or registration may constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules.

**Note: Failure to obtain the required certificate or license within six months from the appointment date constitute cause for dismissal from the class under applicable Civil Service Rules.

***Note: If the minimum qualifications include an educational or certificate/license requirement, applicants must submit proof of requirements with the application. Failure to submit proof of requirements may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. For guidelines on submitting acceptable proof of educational requirements, please click here ( or speak to someone in our office before the final filing or cut-off date listed in this notice.

General Qualifications

Criminal History and Background Check: The County will access criminal history information on all candidates who have accepted a conditional offer of appointment for the above job class consistent with the provisions of Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 82-602, Personnel Policies and Procedure, and applicable federal and state law. The County shall not consider for employment any candidate who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor that relates to or impacts the candidate's ability to perform the job duties of this class unless it is determined that mitigating circumstances exist. For purposes of accessing criminal history information, the candidate will be fingerprinted. A subsequent arrest notification may be obtained.

The County will also conduct a background check on the candidate prior to appointment to a position within the class. The background check may include personal and professional references checks, credit history check, Social Security Number verification, professional license/registration verification, military service information and driving history. Information obtained in the course of this background check will be considered by the appointing authority in the selection process. In obtaining such information, the County will comply with applicable consent and disclosure practices in the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act.

Child and Elder Abuse Reporting: Persons selected for employment must, as a condition of employment, sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 and 11160 of the California Penal Code relating to child and elder abuse reporting.

Probationary Period

The probationary period for this classification is six (6) months.

Application and Testing Information

APPLICATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit an online County of Sacramento employment application by 5:00 PM on the posted cut-off date. Click here ( to apply.

County of Sacramento

Department of Personnel Services

Employment Services Division

700 H Street, Room 4667

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone View phone number on click.appcast.io; 7-1-1 California Relay Service

Email View email address on click.appcast.io

Inter-Office Mail Code: 09-4667

• Employment applications and all documentation requested in this announcement must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• Your application should highlight all relevant education, training, and experience, and clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position as of the cut-off date.

• Application information must be current, concise and related to the requirements in this job announcement. You may only apply for this recruitment once. Duplicate and incomplete applications will be disqualified.

• A resume may be included with your application, however it will not substitute for the information requested on the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

Applicants are required to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question. The Supplemental Questionnaire is located in the tab marked "Supplemental Questions". Please be descriptive in your response.

Note: Responses of "See Resume" or "See Application", or copy and paste of work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

• Supplemental Questionnaires must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date. Employment Services is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by an applicant's computer or web browser. Applicants will be automatically logged out if they have not submitted their applications and all documentation prior to 5:00 p.m. on the cut-off date.

• The supplemental questions are designed to elicit specific information regarding a candidate's experience, education, and training. Responses should be consistent with the information on your application and are subject to verification.

• Please provide place of employment, pertinent dates, and concise, descriptive and detailed information for each question.

• If a job included responsibilities applicable to several questions, separate the different functions of the job to answer all the questions completely.

• Resumes or referral to the application or other questionnaire responses will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question.

• If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question.

• For many individuals, it is more efficient to develop responses to the supplemental questions in a word processing document and then paste them into the final document to be submitted. Changes or corrections to your Supplemental Questionnaire cannot be made once your application packet has been submitted.

• If the Supplemental Questionnaire is used in the Formula Rate exam, failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score. While scoring the Supplemental Questionnaire, the candidate's application and/or attachments will not be reviewed, therefore, a candidate's responses to the questions should be accurate, thorough, detailed, and complete.

FORMULA RATE EXAMINATION (Weighted 100%)

All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications by the cut-off date will have their Supplemental Questionnaire scored in the Formula Rate Examination.

This examination will evaluate the relevance, level, recency, progression and quality of candidate's education, training and experience. The candidate's application or other materials will not be included in this examination. Therefore, the candidate's responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough, detailed and complete. The score from the Formula Rate Examination will determine the ranking on the eligible/employment list for this job.

All candidates competing in the testing process will receive written notice of their examination results by email. Notices can also be accessed in their governmentjobs.com inbox. Applicants achieving a passing score will be placed on the eligible list in rank order. The rank is determined by the test score attained from the examination.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here ( for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

For information regarding County jobs:

Sacramento County is about enriching communities to thrive. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. We value and celebrate the unique perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, and diverse dimensions of our employees and residents. Through transparency, courage, innovation, and trust we are committed to advance equity and transformational change.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any phase of the hiring process, please contact our Disability Compliance Office at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io, CA Relay 711. For more information, visit: Reasonable Accommodation Requests - Job Applicant Instructions (

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

At Sacramento County, we strive to provide benefit programs designed to meet our employees’ current and future needs and help them as they balance their careers and personal life. County of Sacramento employees have a variety of benefits available. These benefits include:

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Health Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Life Insurance

• Critical Illness

• Retiree Health Savings Plan (RHSP)

• Deferred Compensation

More information can be found on the Benefits website (

TEMPORARY POSITIONS:

Most benefits do not apply to temporary positions.

VACATION:

Generally, vacation with pay begins at 10 days annually. With increase over a period of years, the maximum annual vacation with pay is 25 days.

HOLIDAYS:

14.5 holidays per year as recognized by the Board of Supervisors.

SICK LEAVE:

Equivalent to 15 days annually, unlimited accumulation.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

Regular County employees may be eligible to receive Tuition Reimbursement. The costs for course tuition/registration fees and required books/supplies may be eligible for reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement amounts may vary depending upon union agreement.

RETIREMENT:

The County’s defined-benefit pension plan is provided by the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 and is managed by the Sacramento County Employees' Retirement System (SCERS) Board of Retirement. For more information, visit the SCERS website,

DENTAL INSURANCE:

For more information, visit the Benefits website (

LIFE INSURANCE:

The County of Sacramento provides a basic life insurance benefit to all eligible employees at no cost. Additional coverage may be purchased through payroll deduction.

For more information, visit the Benefits website (

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

A deferred compensation program is available through the County 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information, visit the Benefits website (

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The County of Sacramento provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services in areas such as:

• Legal Advice/Difficult Decisions

• Marriage or Family Relationships

• Financial or Credit Worries/Elder Care

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

More information can be found on the Benefits website (

WELLNESS INCENTIVE PROGRAM:

The County will recognize and award time off to eligible employees who maintain an excellent attendance record.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT:

The County offers regular employees two separate Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's). These accounts allow employees to set money aside, on a pre-tax basis via payroll deduction, to pay for medical, dental or dependent care expenses.

DEPENDENT CARE REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

Employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified childcare or dependent care expenses that are necessary for the employee and/or spouse to continue working.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT:

The Medical Reimbursement Account allows pre-tax dollars to be set aside to pay for out-of-pocket expenses that are not paid by insurance or reimbursed by any other benefit plan.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION:

In case of injury while on the job, each employee is protected under the Workers' Compensation laws of California.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: FAQs (

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:

Military veterans who have served during wartime shall be given preference in initial appointment to County service. Such preference shall apply, provided the veteran has first achieved a minimum passing score in the examination. The passing score of a veteran shall be annotated to indicate the veteran's score shall be regarded as 5 points or higher, OR 10 points higher for disabled veterans, only for the purpose of determining the three ranks along with which the veteran's name shall be certified. No score shall actually be changed and no new rank shall be created as a result of application of veteran's preference for certification purposes.

"Disabled Veteran" means any veteran who has served during wartime and, who, as of the final filing date for an examination is declared by the United States Veterans Administration or military service department to be 10% or more disabled as a result of his/her military service. Persons claiming eligibility for disabled veteran's preference must submit to the employment office, on or before the application deadline date, a certification from the United States Veterans Administration or a military service department, dated within 1 year, which certifies the present existence of a service related disability of 10% or more, or other acceptable proof of such disability as a result of his/her military service.

Persons claiming eligibility for veterans preference must submit a copy of Form DD 214 or other acceptable proof of veteran's status on or before the final filing date for the examination. For purpose of this rule "reserve" status does not constitute active duty.

SPECIAL SKILL QUALIFICATIONS (WHEN SPECIFIED ON THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT):

Persons who have special skills required by some (but not all) positions in a class may be certified ahead of others provided that:

Such special skills are based on the duties and requirements of the positions and are in conformance with merit system and equal opportunity principles, and

The certification of eligibles who possess special skills have been approved by the Civil Service Commission.

01

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is the Civil Service Exam for this position and will be used to determine your exam score.

All experience, education, and/or training used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on your application.

In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as 'See Resume' as a response will not be scored.

By continuing in the exam process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge.

• I have read and understood the above instructions.

02

Select the one box that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

• Current certification as a Recreation Therapist by either the (a) California Board of Recreation and Park Certification, or (b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

• Current license as an Occupational Therapist by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for a Recreation Therapist certificate issued by either the (a) Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification; or (b) National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification.

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program that meets the requirements for an Occupational Therapist license issued by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.

• I have completed my application, paid applicable fees, and am waiting for a test date.

• I do not meet any of the minimum qualification patterns above.

03

Describe in detail your education as it relates to the position of Activities Therapist. Include the type of degree earned, date achieved, major field of study, and the school you graduated from. A copy of your degree and/or transcripts must be provided with your application.

If you possess current licenses or certifications as stated in Question 2, please include your license / certification number and date of expiration.

If you selected "I do not meet any of the minimum qualification patterns above." write "None".

04

Select all boxes that best describe the types of environments in which you have paid or unpaid experience and/or academic training performing duties of a Recreation Therapist.

• No experience

• Public or private schools

• Community centers

• Summer camps/programs

• Special needs camps/programs

• Senior programs

• Mental Health Facilities (in-patient or out-patient)

• Juvenile detention facilities

• Hospital setting

• Any out- patient clinical setting

• Adult detention facilities

05

Describe your paid or unpaid experience and/or academic training with regard to your selection(s) in question number 4. Include your duties and responsibilities in the environments/programs you selected. You may include more than one employer. If you are using training for experience, list your courses and where and when they took place. Include the following information for work experience:

• Employer name

• Position held

• From and to dates

• Manager/supervisor name and contact information.

If you selected "No experience", write "None".

06

Select the one box that best describes your paid or unpaid experience and/or academic training in acute in-patient programs for mental health patients.

• No experience

• Less than 6 months

• 6 months but less than 12 months

• 12 or more months

07

Describe your paid or unpaid experience and/or training with regard to your selection in question number 6. Be specific concerning your duties in a typical day. You may include more than one employer. If you are using training for experience, list your courses and where and when they took place. Include the following information for work experience:

• Employer name

• Position held

• From and to dates

• Manager/supervisor name

If you selected "No experience", write "None".

08

Select the one box that best describes your paid or unpaid experience and/or academic training in partial day/out-patient treatment programs for mental health patients.

• No experience

• Less than 6 months

• 6 months but less than 12 months

• 12 or more months

09

Describe your paid or unpaid experience and/or training with regard to your selection in question number 8. Be specific concerning your duties in a typical day. You may include more than one employer. If you are using training for experience, list your courses and where and when they took place. Include the following information for work experience:

• Employer name

• Position held

• From and to dates

• Manager/supervisor name

If you selected "No experience", write "None".

10

Select the one box that best describes your paid or unpaid experience and/or academic training planning and coordinating events, such as facility set up, decorating, servicing food, and observing recipient capabilities, e.g., special diets and mobility restriction precautions.

• No experience

• Less than 1 year in any setting

• Less than 1 year in a mental health setting

• 1 or more years in any setting

• 1 or more years in a mental health setting

11

Describe your paid or unpaid experience and/or training with regard to your selection in question number 10. Provide an example of an event you were responsible for planning and coordinating, the type of event and participants involved. Also, include how your awareness of cultural diversity impacted the event. You may include more than one employer. If you are using training for experience, list your courses and where and when they took place. Include the following information for work experience:

• Employer name

• Position held

• From and to dates

• Manager/supervisor name

If you selected "No experience", write "None".

12

Select the one box that best describes your paid or unpaid experience assessing function capabilities of mentally ill patients, such as managing money, paying bills, grocery shopping, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene and self-care.

• No experience

• Less than 6 months

• 6 months but less than 12 months

• 12 or more months

13

Provide an example where you were required to perform this duty and how you assessed functional capabilities of mentally ill patients as described in Question 12. You may include more than one employer. If you are using training for experience, list your courses and where and when they took place. Include the following information for work experience:

• Employer name

• Position held

• From and to dates

• Manager/supervisor name.

If you selected "No experience", write "None".

14

I have read the General Requirements and Other Requirements as stated on the job announcement.

• Yes.

• No

15

The County of Sacramento is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace. All persons selected for appointment must pass a drug test administered by the County and at no cost to the applicant.

I understand, if offered conditional employment, I will be subject to a drug test administered by the County as described in Sacramento County Personnel Ordinance Section 2.78.030.

• Yes

• No

16

Select the one box that best describes whether you have attended a career fair and/or job event where you have interacted with representatives from Sacramento County.

• Attended in the last one (1) – three (3) months.

• Attended in the last four (4) – six (6) months.

• Attended in the last seven (7) months – one (1) year.

• Attended an event more than one (1) year ago.

• Have attended a career fair and/or job event but did not interact with Sacramento County representatives.

• Have not attended a career fair and/or job event.

17

List the following for the career fair and/or job event you attended: • Name of event • Location of event • Month and year of event If you have not attended an event where you interacted with representatives from Sacramento County, please type "None".

Required Question

Employer

County of Sacramento

Address

700 H Street, Room 4667 Sacramento, California, 95814

Phone

View phone number on click.appcast.io

Website

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