Developmental Therapist

Category:

Rehab/Therapy

City:

Jackson

State:

Tennessee

Shift:

8 - Day (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

Responsible for providing developmentally appropriate educational services for developmentally delayed children ages birth to five in a home or community setting. Under the general direction of the Program Manager and Director of the Therapy & Learning Center. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for assisting and collaboration with TEIS in the development of the IFSP. 
• Develop lesson plans for each child assigned and uses creativity in implementing appropriate activities with the children and families.
• Responsible for the timely and accurate documentation of activities conducted with child and family including completion of monthly summaries, monthly caseload reports, requesting medical and other education records/assessments when needed, and maintaining the child’s program file in an orderly and organized manner.
• Assures that IFSP’s are appropriate in relation to the child’s developmental abilities and needs.  Recommends changes to IFSP to TEIS as needed.
• Compiles and reviews all programming documentation and written reports for children on caseload.
• Upon request from TEIS, completes appropriate developmental assessments every six months and hearing and vision screenings annually.
• Completes documentation in the contact log and service log in the TEIDS system in compliance with TEIS required timeframes.
• Keeps evaluation/assessments, lesson plans, monthly summaries, and exit up to date and reports filed in the child’s bluebook.
• Adheres to and implements licensing requirements set forth by the Department of Disabilities and Aging.
• Responsible for utilizing the appropriate curriculum depending upon the needs of the child and family.  Plans for general activities that parents, siblings, extended family, etc. can incorporate into daily life that will aide in the child’s overall development.
• Works cooperatively with TEIS service coordinators to ensure service delivery is appropriate.
• Works with therapists in order to carry over recommendations as appropriate.
• Participates in annual program evaluation and provides appropriate statistical information regarding children’s progress.
• Provides feedback to the Program Manager regarding program needs.
• Works cooperatively with all consultant and representatives from other agencies.
• Completes 30 hours of annual training as required by Department of Disability and Aging.
• Attends all staff conferences, intra-agency sessions, in-service training and such other conferences and meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Coordinator.
• Keeps up with current readings in the area of preschool education, including those pertaining to the teacher’s role in working with families or handicapped children.
• Informs the Program Manager of enrollment situations including all proposed exits or transfers and concerns regarding children on their caseload.
• Develops and maintains a positive work climate and the overall team effort of the department (or work unit).
• When applicable, ensures satellite is being clean, supplies are available, and that equipment is in good repair.
• Adheres to fire marshal recommendations (satellite).
• Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• B.S or B.A and/or masters and/or doctorate degree in early childhood special education, early childhood education, child and family studies (child development), early intervention, deaf education or visual disabilities, special education  K-12, elementary education, communication disorders, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or related field.  Related field can include but is not limited to the following: degree in social work, nursing, psychology, education administration, or sociology.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:

•  Basic Life Support and First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire.
•  Valid driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-year experience in the field of Special Education, Communication Disorders, Education Pre – K through 3 certified, Family/Consumer Sciences or Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Related field degrees require a minimum of one year documented experience working with children with disabilities 0-5 years of age and their families.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of education concepts and strategies/methods required. 
• Knowledge of developmental process and diagnoses such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, speech/language disorders, etc. is preferred.

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.