Exam Bulletin

Department of State Hospitals

Multiple Testing Departments. Please see list of Departments.

Exam Code: EX-3316

Examination Plans Included:

  • REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY): $3,585.00 - $9,378.00 per Month

View the REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 8/2/2024
  • 8/16/2024
  • 9/6/2024
  • 9/20/2024
  • 10/4/2024
  • 10/18/2024
  • 11/1/2024
  • 11/15/2024
  • 12/6/2024
  • 12/20/2024

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY) - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    3316

For REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-03316

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

You may apply by mail to:

  • Department of State Hospitals
    Selection Services Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 14
    Sacramento, CA 95814

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Department of State Hospitals
    Selection Services Unit
    1215 O Street, MS 14
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

00108422 - REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY)

Completion of an approved clinical internship in the appropriate rehabilitation specialty in an approved hospital or rehabilitation center affiliated with the college.

 

(Individuals who are registered or certified with the appropriate therapy association but who have not completed a clinical internship because it was not a component of the academic program at the time are required to have completed a minimum of two years' full-time paid experience in a clinical, residential, or community-based setting after receipt of the required degree to be admitted into the exam.)

 

and

 

Possession of a Master's Degree in Dance Therapy, or registration with the American Dance Therapy Association, or eligibility for such registration.

Drug Testing Requirement

 

Applicants for positions in these classes are required to pass a drug-screening test. (The drug-screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated "sensitive" class for which drug testing is required under State Personnel Board Rule 213.)

Position Description

00108422 - REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY)

Uses body movement and dance as the process in therapeutic intervention, specifically directed toward gaining insight into problematic behavior and toward expanding an individual's freedom of movement, flexibility, and coordination; provides opportunity for expression and communication of feelings, needs, and conflicts; and facilitates positive change in body image

Special Personal Characteristics

 

An interest and a willingness to work at developmental centers, State hospitals, or correctional facilities contracting with the Department of Mental Health for diagnostic and treatment services; sympathetic and objective understanding of the problems of developmentally, mentally, or physically disordered offenders; tolerance; tact; patience; and emotional stability.

 

Special Physical Characteristics

 

Possession and maintenance of sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful and emergency situations encountered on the job without endangering their own health and well-being or that of their fellow employees, forensic clients, patients, inmates, or the public. 

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of: (With particular reference to their therapeutic specialty) the principles, procedures, techniques, trends, and literature of rehabilitation services, especially those relating to developmental, mental, or physical disordered offenders; the process of restoration, maintenance, and development of capabilities; principles of mental health education; scope and activities of private and public health and welfare agencies; characteristics of mental, emotional, physical, and developmental disorders; current trends in mental health, public health, and public welfare; Federal and State programs in these fields.

 

Ability to: Utilize and effectively apply required technical knowledge; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of persons contacted in the work; secure accurate clinical data and record such data systematically; compose clear, accurate, and concise reports; interpret statistical data; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate effectively.

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the REHABILITATION THERAPIST, STATE FACILITIES (DANCE-SAFETY) Classification will be established for:

  • State of California

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Rehabilitation Therapist, State Facilities (Dance - Safety) Training & Experience Preview

Instructions: Rate your knowledge and experience performing specific job-related tasks.

 

  1. Plan and organize dance/movement therapy and other therapeutic activity programs to improve patients’ mental outlook and physical well-being.
  2. Observe/assess patient’s mental and physical impairments using Kestenberg Movement Profiling (KMP) and Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) to determine best dance/movement treatment interventions to implement therapeutic changes and ensure treatment success.
  3. Consult with patients and other treatment team members in individual and/or group meetings to determine patient’s capabilities and interests to develop successful dance/movement therapy programs.
  4. Conduct group/individual dance/movement therapy sessions to improve patient’s social skills, mental and physical wellbeing, and positive body image.
  5. Develop treatment plans based on patient observation and evaluation of progress and make treatment changes as needed.
  6. Modify treatment plans based on progress observed during dance movement therapy sessions, including unit milieu observations and conferences.
  7. Encourage patients to attend group treatment activities by developing a therapeutic alliance during dance movement therapy treatment leading to development of socialization skills and coping mechanisms.
  8. Utilize Psychotherapeutic/group process techniques and interventions as part of dance/movement therapy to ensure successful treatment.
  9. Complete forms and patient progress notes collected during treatment observations using online assessment tools and software (e.g. WaRMSS).
  10. Assist staff in the counting, distribution and accounting for all items to prevent their misuse as weapons using count documentation and item use instructions in accordance with facility protocols (i.e., group, unit).
  11. Prepare assessment tools per written instructions on each patient and make recommendations to patient’s rehabilitation treatment plan as appropriate to meet various goals of the patient (e.g. reason for admission, commitment type, diagnosis).
  12. Provide written documentation on patients’ progress of their dance/movement therapy program in their medical record based on standards of practice, departmental policy and federal regulations.
  13. Provide input to Rehabilitation Therapy program management regarding the patient population, treatment needs, treatment resources and staff development needs for the purpose of improving quality of care as needed through various communication channels (e.g., meetings, email, phone).
  14. Provide individual or group orientation for all new patients regarding the dance/movement therapy program and leisure activities to ensure knowledge and encourage participation in treatment utilizing written resources that include group descriptions as new patients are admitted to the facility.
  15. Provide and maintain a monthly activity calendar of all dance/movement therapy programs offered on the unit board, promoting special events and activities available to them in the facility (e.g., monthly birthday parties, concerts, tournaments, holiday recognition) to facilitate enhancement of the patients’ quality of life per departmental policy and federal regulations.
  16. Carry out approved budget expenditures independently or in coordination with a supervisor for supplies and equipment.
  17. Account for equipment and/or supplies to maintain the safety of patients and staff utilizing various forms and/or checklists (e.g., sign in/out sheets, inventory lists, badge hold) as frequently as needed per facility policies and procedures.
  18. Assist an individual or group of patients in planning their leisure time by developing an activity plan calendar in order to schedule their participation as required by facility.
  19. Participate on the interdisciplinary team by maintaining information on patient’s attendance, response, and progress in order to meet treatment goals and objectives.
  20. Assess patient’s abilities and interests in order to determine benefits from dance/movement therapy.

 

Instructions: Rate your knowledge and experience performing specific job-related knowledge and abilities.

 

  1. Knowledge of dance/movement therapy principles and techniques used to rehabilitate mentally, emotionally, cognitively and physically disabled patients.
  2. Knowledge of dance/movement therapy equipment to ensure proper use.
  3. Knowledge of psychiatric disorders and symptom presentations in order to develop effective treatment plans.
  4. Knowledge of theory and practice of the mental and physical rehabilitation of cognitively and physically disabled patients.
  5. Knowledge of therapeutic principles and techniques of group process and individual treatment interventions.
  6. Knowledge of various types of dance/movement therapy modalities to ensure effective treatment of patients.
  7. Knowledge of pathology involved in diseases and injuries resulting in mental, emotional, cognitive and physical disabilities.
  8. Ability to explain the importance and therapeutic values of dance/movement therapy interventions to hospital patients and staff.
  9. Ability to motivate patients of all presentations to participate in treatment groups and therapeutic programming.
  10. Ability to prepare reports and keep records to be included in treatment plans.
  11. Ability to read and comprehend written materials in order to apply the information to daily tasks.
  12. Ability to perform repetitive physical motions (e.g. lift, bend, twist, stand) as needed for performing daily duties.
  13. Ability to be flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, work assignments, and other issues that may impact pre-established courses of action for completing assignments.

Testing Departments

  • Department of State Hospitals
  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of State Hospitals
Selection Services Unit
1215 O Street, MS 14
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-8832
SacramentoExamsUnit@dsh.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

Department of State Hospitals reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)