Therapeutic Specialist

ABOUT US: The Baby Fold has been successfully wrapping services around children and families since 1902, offering life-critical support such as foster care, special education, early childhood programming, and adoption support. The Baby Fold is a unique resources with a strong and enduring heritage. We care for our youngest citizens so they can be blessed with loving homes, stable lives, and the futures they deserve.

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance (choice of 3 medical plans)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Retirement plan (403(b)/ROTH) with employer match
• No cost Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan and Dependent Care Plan
• Personal time, Sick time, and Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• No fee, No credit check $1,500 Line of Credit for medical, mental health, & veterinary services
• Personalized assistance with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Paid over school breaks (for school staff) enjoy several paid weeks off per year!
• Advancement opportunities
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities

SUMMARY:

• The Therapeutic Specialist is responsible for crisis response and support when students become dysregulated.   The Therapeutic Specialist works across all school locations to provide consistency in programming for all students. 
• WORK HOURS:  Full-time, typically 8:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday, following the school calendar.
• LOCATION: Hammitt Elementary,108 E Willow St., Normal, IL 
• PAY: minimum for associates degree applicants is $43,718, and up to $58,885 for BA degree applicants; based on experience, education, and certification. Salary, exempt, paid over school breaks.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A THERAPEUTIC SPECIALIST:

• Assessment: Evaluates student behaviors in the school, determines strengths and needs, and develops data to share with the clinical team.
• Crisis prevention and intervention: Provides consultation and support to students, parents, and school employees to assist with crisis prevention and intervention. Provides direct crisis intervention to students as needed.
• Program Coordination: Works cooperatively with classroom teachers to maintain and foster a coordinated program for children.
• Consultation with Teachers: Serves as a consultant to classroom teachers in developing and implementing behavioral and teaching strategies.
• Service/Treatment Planning: As part of the interdisciplinary team provide data to assist in the development, monitoring, reviewing, and modifying of Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) for assigned students throughout the period of service provision. Coordinate and oversee student and staff debriefing needs and supports.
•   Professional  Development: Enhances professional competence through      ongoing awareness of developments      in the field of childhood/adolescent mental health treatment and special      education. Assists with training,      supervision, and evaluation of student interns and new staff, as assigned: Coordinate trainings in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Trauma Informed Practices, and other areas as identified by school administration. Coordinate trainings on ISBE Restraint and Time out Procedures

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION STATEMENT: The Baby Fold is committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, where each individual feels empowered and where our differences are celebrated. We encourage each other to engage in meaningful conversations, seek out different perspectives, and continually work to cultivate an environment where all ideas are valued.

1. Associate’s Degree AND five years of experience in residential, therapeutic, or alternative education settings required. Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, guidance and counseling, or related field preferred. 

2. Supervisory and/or staff training experience strongly desired.

3. Professional licensure through ISBE or the Department of Professional Regulation required.

4. Knowledge of and skills necessary to apply the principles of childhood/adolescent mental health treatment and special education to Hammitt School students.

• Must have adequate driving record, insurance, and access to personal vehicle as needed