Program Assistant (Various Programs)
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: TT20
Class Code: 8266
Established: 04/01/1976
Revised: 09/03/2008
Title Changed: --
Definition
This specification describes a nonmedical class used by the Departments of Developmental Services and Mental Health in State hospitals which give a Program Director staff assistance with the administration of the Director's treatment program.
Typical Tasks
Incumbents in this program class assist a Program Director in a staff capacity with the administration of a treatment program for the mentally disabled or developmentally disabled.
Incumbents participate in program planning, development, and implementation; plan, coordinate, audit, and evaluate patient/resident care and treatment; develop appropriate staffing patterns; serve as a resource on equipment, techniques, and current practices; develop training and development plans for staff members; provide the community with training and techniques for the continuation of patient/resident treatment and care; coordinate services within the hospital and with other facilities and agencies; establish program priorities; develop and provide liaison with families, family physicians of patients, and appropriate community agencies; develop and participate in program-related research projects; interview and recommend selection and allocation of support and clinical staff, students, and volunteers; interpret programs and other hospital functions to hospital staff and the community; and act for the Program Director in the Director's absence when so required.
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Programs consist of the following treatment programs. The treatment programs have the following goals:
DD Child Development maximize the growth and development of the young developmentally disabled up to age 18 whose primary needs are physical, cognitive, and social development.
DD Adult Development maximize the growth and development of the adult developmentally disabled whose primary needs are physical, cognitive, and social development.
DD Sensory Development develop specialized programs for the developmentally disabled who also are blind or deaf, or a combination of the two.
DD Behavior Adjustment provide specialized treatment services for the developmentally disabled who also have insufficient control of their emotional behavior.
DD Habilitation maximize the growth and development of the developmentally disabled whose primary needs are attaining a degree of normalization and vocational skills that lead to self-sufficiency in the community.
Minimum Qualifications
Either I
Two years of clinical nursing experience in the Departments of Developmental Services or Mental Health performing the duties of a class comparable in level of responsibility to those of a Unit Supervisor or Registered Nurse III in a treatment program for the developmentally disabled.
Or II
Two years of clinical experience as a psychiatric social worker, psychologist, rehabilitation therapist, individual program coordinator, or teacher in a treatment program for the developmentally disabled.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, procedures, and techniques of administering a multidisciplinary patient/resident treatment program; principles and practices of personnel management; California laws and rules pertaining to State hospital administration; principles and practices of community organization for the developmental or mental disability; hospital organization, management, and procedures; research methods and techniques; principles and methods of training treatment personnel; a manager's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
With reference to either programs for the developmentally disabled or mentally disabled, Program Assistants are required to have knowledge of the principles and methods of health care, rehabilitation, education, and psychiatric treatment as related to the care and treatment of their patients/residents; principles for maximizing the physical, cognitive, and social development of their patients/residents; and specific expertise related to program content.
Ability to: Assist with the administration of a multidisciplinary patient/resident treatment program; integrate the program with the overall functions of the hospital; communicate effectively; work independently in identifying the need for and developing proposed changes in program practices and procedures; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
With reference to either programs for the developmentally disabled or mentally disabled, Program Assistants must possess the ability to: assist with the planning and coordination of a program that provides care, treatment, and maximizes the development of their patients/residents; direct research projects; and analyze complex problems and take appropriate action.
Special Requirements
Demonstrated leadership ability; sympathetic and objective understanding of the problems of the mentally disabled or developmentally disabled; tact; patience; and emotional stability.
