FOSTER GRANDPARENT (State)7235F1 Pay Grade: 5 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is State funded companionship work with developmentally disabled individuals. Work involves establishing close relationships with assigned individuals while engaging them in play, talk, walks, and related activities. Employees of this class conduct rudimentary adjunctive therapy activities, usually with one individual at a time. Work performance is reviewed by a superior. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Foster Grandparent (Federal) class which is federally funded companionship work with exceptional or special needs individuals in a state institution or community volunteer station. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Spends time privately with assigned individuals to develop warm, close relationships. Attends special events and outings with individuals to broaden life experiences and to improve socialization skills. Helps individuals with classroom work under the direction of a certified teacher. Assists individuals at mealtime by helping them learn to feed themselves independently and by providing mealtime conversation. Teaches and encourages individuals to exercise hygiene skills such as washing face and hands. Stimulates verbal behavior in individuals under the detailed guidance of a speech pathologist. Keeps a daily log of activities and observations of assigned individuals. Involves individuals in casual inter-relationships with others to improve socialization. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the behavior of the developmentally disabled and how the needs of the individual may be met. Abilities *Ability to communicate with children and staff. *Ability to make simple written reports. *Ability to read and understand verbal and written instructions and carry them out. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Sixty years of age. REV: 02/76 |