SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards		  
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  CLINICAL

The study, assessment, and diagnosis of the client situation followed by direct treatment to help the client achieve prescribed goals.		  
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  ADVANCED DEGREE

A degree at the Master's level or beyond from an institution of higher education. An advanced degree does not include a Bachelor's degree, an associate's degree, or an educational certificate.		  
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  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
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  SUPERVISION

Assumption of responsibility for directly overseeing and evaluating the work or work products of personnel within an organization. Also includes inspecting the act or process of accomplishing a function or activity.		  
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  LEADERSHIP

A nonprofit organization's leadership consists of its governing body, chief executive officer, and may also include its senior management. In a public agency the term refers to the agency head and administration team. The term "leadership" is not generally applied to for-profit organizations. With respect to COA standards, in for-profit organizations the term leadership applies to the owner and board of directors if one exists.		  
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  MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

A professional with specialized training and skills in the nature and treatment of mental illness and who uses this information to provide clinical, preventive, and social services. Mental health professionals include: psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric registered nurses, and social workers.		  
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  MANAGEMENT

See ADMINISTRATION		  
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  SERVICE PLAN

A written plan of action based on the assessment of consumer needs and strengths that identifies problems, sets goals, and describes a strategy for achieving those goals and engaging in joint problem solving with the consumer. Also known as a "treatment plan".		  
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  CERTIFICATION

Assurance from a state or professional association that a person or organization possesses certain attributes, knowledge, or skills. 		 
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  QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL

An individual licensed by the state in which the organization operates to perform duties outlined in the regulation requirements. Similar terms include: qualified health practitioner, qualified clinician, and qualified medical practitioner. 		 
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  INFORMED CONSENT

The explicit granting of permission by a consumer or his/her legal guardian to the service provider and organization to use a specific intervention or participate in research. The consent is predicated on full disclosure of the facts to enable the consumer to make a decision based on knowledge of the risks and alternatives.		  
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  COMMUNITY

A specific group of people living in the same locality and who may share a common culture, values, and norms. Communities can also be defined by race, religion, ethnicity, age, occupation, political status, tribal affiliation, interest in particular problems or outcomes, or other common bonds. The term "community" encompasses worksites, schools, tribes, residential neighborhoods, business districts, recreational areas, and health and human service sites.		  
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  CONSULTANT

A person who provides specialized or technical advice or services to an organization for specific purposes on a contractual or fee basis, or who provides such services as a volunteer with an agreement to provide services on a pro bono basis.		  
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  EMPLOYEE

Paid member of an organization. Foster parents are not considered employees and are specifically referenced in relevant standards. 		 
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  POLICY

A written statement of principles, values, or intent that provides a basis for consistent decision making and guides the actions of staff, management, and board of trustees. A policy is intentionally broad in its language and application. The following is an example of an anti-discrimination policy:

"[Organization Name] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services."

In contrast, a procedure is a detailed, step-by-step description of a process. It tells the reader how to do something. Generally, policies are implemented through procedures. For example, the above anti-discrimination policy would require a detailed grievance procedure in order to operationalize it within an organization.

The governing body has the fiduciary responsibility for setting organizational policy. Therefore, policies must be approved and periodically reviewed by the organization's governing body. However, the governing body typically delegates (via policy) the responsibility for policy development to management. In owner-operated for-profit companies, the owner can act as the company's governing body, depending on the company's corporate structure.

In a public agency the responsibility for setting and reviewing policies may belong to the agency's management team, elected officials, another governmental agency, or as is often the case, a combination of the above.

  
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  WORKLOAD

The amount of work assigned to or expected from a person within a specified period of time. See also CASELOAD.		  
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  CLIENT

See service recipient.		  
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.		  
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  REFERRALS

Resource suggestions provided to consumers to address problems or needs that are beyond the scope of the organization's mission.		  
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Wilderness and Adventure-Based Therapeutic Outdoor Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

WT 20: Personnel

 
Personnel are qualified to meet the therapeutic, educational, and safety needs of participants.

WT 20.01

 

Clinical oversight is provided by a professional with:

  1. an advanced degree in a mental health field, therapeutic or experiential education, or another human service field;
  2. appropriate licensure; and
  3. experience in the field of therapeutic, adventure programming.
related TS 3
Interpretation: When an administrator or program director does not possess the qualifications outlined in the standards, oversight responsibilities are delegated to a clinician with those credentials.
NA The organization does not provide clinical services.

WT 20.02

 

On-site program coordination and supervision of personnel is delegated to a person qualified by:

  1. at least three years of progressively responsible experience in an outdoor adventure service for at-risk or troubled participants;
  2. knowledge of adolescent development;
  3. demonstrated technical competence and safety skills;
  4. problem-solving and leadership skills, sound judgment, and capabilities in interpersonal communication and group facilitation; and
  5. skills in the use of outdoor experiences for therapeutic purposes.
related TS 3
Interpretation: On-site program coordination and supervision of personnel can be directly assumed by the individual specified in WT 20.01

WT 20.03

 

Personnel include at least one mental health professional in a management or supervisory role who:

  1. provides or arranges for the direct clinical services specified in the service plan; and
  2. facilitates collaboration with external service providers.
NA The organization does not provide clinical services.

WT 20.04

 

Before assignment as a group leader or assistant, the organization provides and documents in the personnel record:

  1. supervised field experiences;
  2. competency testing; and
  3. certification in the area of assigned responsibility, when certification is available.

WT 20.05

 

All group leaders, instructors, or persons assuming responsibility for individual or group supervision of participants:

  1. are at least 21 years of age; and
  2. have technical competence in the activity to which they are assigned.

WT 20.06

 

Group leaders and direct service personnel are able to:

  1. provide an appropriate environment for participants to carry out their role in the overall service program;
  2. engage in mutually respectful relationships with the participants;
  3. guide participants in their development and their ability to use service resources;
  4. engage in therapeutic interactions with participants;
  5. teach experientially and serve as effective role models;
  6. communicate effectively with participants and personnel; and
  7. facilitate debriefing of group experiences and the transfer of learning.
related TS 1,  TS 2
Research Note: Literature suggests that the relationship between participants and personnel is an important factor in determining the effectiveness of the therapeutic experience. Staff that are genuine, respectful, empathetic, and honest towards youth have been shown to facilitate positive treatment outcomes.

WT 20.07

 
Depending on the participant’s needs, the organization provides or arranges for the services of qualified professionals in dentistry, medicine, education, nursing, speech, dietetics, and religion.
Interpretation: Thresholds for such services are spelled out clearly in the program description, during informed consent, or in the individualized service plan. Consulting services from qualified professionals and specialists are available on an informal basis or through linkages with community organizations. When the organization uses a consultant, it ensures that consulting services are coordinated with services provide by the organization. Organizations in remote locations, where certain professional resources are unavailable, are considered to be in substantial compliance if they make alternative arrangements such as transporting participants. If an extremely large number of participants have a need, the organization recruits an employee to meet that need.

WT 20.08

 

Individuals who assume responsibility for supervision of participants in the field have skills in:

  1. navigating and operating in a given terrain;
  2. interpreting and responding to changes in weather and environmental conditions; and
  3. improvising solutions to unanticipated problems and emergencies in the field such as environmental hazards, harmful plants or animals, and extreme weather conditions.

WT 20.09

 
Policy prohibits participants and personnel from using alcohol or other drugs while engaging in organization-sponsored activities.

WT 20.10

 

Employee workloads support the achievement of client outcomes, are regularly reviewed, and are based on an assessment of:

  1. the qualifications, competencies, and experiences of the workers, including the level of supervision needed;
  2. the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
  3. service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of new and current clients and referrals.
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PURPOSE: Youth who participate in Wilderness and Adventure-based Therapeutic Outdoor Services expand individual capabilities, develop self-confidence and insight, ameliorate symptoms, and improve interpersonal skills and relationships.
 
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