Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.502

Current through September 2, 2024

Section 16.04.18.502 - STAFF QUALIFICATIONS FOR OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

Staff, interns, and volunteers must complete a background check as required by IDAPA 16.05.06, "Criminal History and Background Checks." Outdoor programs must have the following staff:

01.Chief Administrator. An outdoor program must have a chief administrator who is primarily responsible for ensuring that the program complies with applicable licensing rules and that staff are familiar with all program policies and procedures. The chief administrator may also function as the field director. In addition to qualifications in Section 213 of these rules, the chief administrator must also:

a. Be at least twenty-five (25) years old; and

b. Have a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours in recreational therapy or related experience, or one (1) year of outdoor youth program field experience.

02.Field Director. An outdoor program must have a field director who is primarily responsible for the quality of the field activities, coordinates field operation, supervises direct care staff, and manages the field office. The field director is responsible for compliance with applicable licensing rules and ensures that staff are familiar with all program policies and procedures, and must:

a. Be at least twenty-five (25) years old;

b. Have at least thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours in recreational therapy or related experience, or one (1) year of outdoor youth program field experience;

c. Have at least forty (40) twenty-four (24) hour field days of program experience or equivalent experience in outdoor programs documented in their personnel file; and

d. Be certified to provide CPR and first aid.

03.Senior Field Staff. An outdoor program must have a senior field staff working directly with each group of program participants, and must:

a. Be at least twenty-one (21) years old;

b. Have an associate degree or high school diploma or equivalent and thirty (30) semester hours or forty-five (45) quarter hours of education and training, or comparable experience and training, in a field related to recreation and adventure activities;

c. Have forty (40) twenty-four (24) hour field days of program experience or equivalent experience in outdoor programs documented in their personnel file; and

d. Be certified to provide CPR and first aid.

04.Field Staff. Must:

a. Be at least twenty-one (21) years old;

b. Have a high school diploma or equivalent; and

c. Be certified to provide CPR and first aid.

05.Multidisciplinary Team. An outdoor program must have a multidisciplinary staff or program consultants who have knowledge of the physical and emotional demands of the program and are available to program participants upon the recommendation of the field director or senior field staff. The team must consist of:

a. A licensed physician; and

b. A licensed treatment professional including either a licensed psychologist, certified social worker, marriage and family counselor, or professional counselor.

06.Each Intern. Must:

a. Be in a learning program to meet personal educational goals;

b. Be at least eighteen (18) years old;

c. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; and

d. Be under the supervision of a licensed therapist if they are in a clinical internship pursuing a professional degree or license.

07.Each Volunteer. Must:

a. Be at least eighteen (18) years old; and

b. Be under the direct, constant supervision of qualified staff.

08.Staff Health Requirements.

a. Prior to engaging in any field activities with children, staff, interns, and volunteers must have a written statement from a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner verifying they are physically fit to perform the duties of the job.

b. A new, written physician's statement must be obtained every three (3) years. The medical professional who provides the written statement must be given a form to use that clearly describes the physical demands for the job and the environmental conditions the person being evaluated is required to work in.

c. The outdoor program must review the form and maintain it in the individual's personnel file.

Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.04.18.502

Effective April 6, 2023