MENTAL RETARDATION TECHNICIAN I

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY TECHNICIAN I

7016F2

Pay Grade: 16

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is full performance technical work providing active treatment, developmental, or rehabilitative activities for the clients of a state operated treatment facility for the developmentally disabled. mentally retarded.

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 D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Mental Health class series which provide for therapeutic work in the care and treatment of the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.

Differs from the Mental Retardation Developmental Disability Trainee class which is a trainee status and performed under immediate supervision.

Differs from the Mental Retardation Developmental Disability Technician II class which allows for the same work and requires the daily and on-going performance of lead worker responsibilities to a group of at least two Mental Retardation Developmental Disability Technicians and lower level mental retardation developmental disability staff.

Differs from the Licensed Mental Health Technician class in which the work is skilled technical work providing active treatment for residents who are emotionally disturbed or mentally ill and the incumbent is licensed to practice as a mental health technician.

Differs from the Activity Therapy Technician class in which the work is developing and implementing a therapeutic program of mental, physical and expressive activities for clients, patients or youth offenders.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Continuously interacts with a group of clients to promote active engagement with environmental objects and social events, following appropriate safety and protection procedures at all times.

Implements daily training plans designed for the clients; contributes to the designing of individual program plans by assessing clients' readiness for more advanced programs or for re-socialization training; participates in team evaluation of response and progress of clients.

Observes client behavior to detect significant or unusual behavior and reaction or effects of medication or treatment, intervenes with prescribed treatment procedures to prevent injury to client or others, documents and reports observations to appropriate staff, makes periodic checks of clients requiring special precautions, and takes client census.

Leads lesser skilled staff in the basic personal care and grooming of clients which involvement may vary from total care to training or supervising clients to care for themselves, depending upon the functioning level and individual treatment plan of the clients.

Supervises adult clients in work projects in vocational training programs; teaches the performance of specific tasks; maintains quality control of products; assesses clients' behavior and capabilities; participates in development, modification and implementation of individual client's program plans.

If licensed as mental health technician, sets up, administers and records prescribed medications and treatments in order to comply with doctors' orders; medications may be obtained from the pharmacy, checked upon arrival from the pharmacy against the order, and recorded on clients' charts.

Provides health care needs such as taking and recording oral, rectal, and auxiliary temperatures, pulse, respiration, blood pressure; changing dressings; and observing apnea monitors.

Assists physical therapists or other professional or certified therapy personnel in conducting treatments or specialized programs.

Directs other staff in keeping the ward clean and orderly and in providing a safe, sanitary ward environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of mental retardation developmental disability, basic health care, protective health measures, and behavior modification.

Knowledge of treatment team programs designed for specific problems at various functioning levels.

Abilities

*Ability to carry out procedures of treatment programs with individual clients.

*Ability to accurately observe and report clients' behavior and other responses to treatment.

*Ability to express oneself, verbally and in writing.

*Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Ability to relate to and work constructively with mentally retarded clients whom may also be physically handicapped.

Ability to lead others in the accomplishment of assigned tasks.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services mental health/retardation developmentally disabled technician training certificate.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification require a Kansas license or permit to practice as a mental health technician or other Kansas license, certificate or permit to administer medications.

Positions in this class require that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services.

REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 09/03