What are the responsibilities and job description for the EI Therapist position at A&I Avenues?
Purpose of Position
We are seeking additional Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists to join our team. Early Intervention services are specifically for babies and young children who are starting or in the beginning stages of receiving these therapies. Our therapists work with children in the early stages of development and provide the resources they need to gain skills and increase abilities.
As a member of the A&I Avenues team, you will provide ongoing services throughout the time the child is in services, including but not limited to: consulting with staff and families regarding therapeutic techniques and providing parent education and coaching, direct services, and home programs to children and their families.
An ideal candidate will be a team player, a self-starter, enjoy working with families, be comfortable using technology and a variety of databases, be able to prioritize and manage time well. They will also feel comfortable working in families’ homes and have a foundational knowledge of and experience with the parent coaching model.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive assessment and consultation; design therapeutic interventions/activities for children and families enrolled in A&I Avenues services.
- Travel to participants’ homes, daycare, and other community-based sites to deliver services.
- Develop a variety of activities that support A&I Avenues philosophy that children learn through play.
- Recognize and respect the individual needs of each child and family and tailor services and supports to meet those needs.
- Contribute to the development of the individual family service plan. This may include addressing all areas of development and writing developmental outcomes. Ensure services and supports are provided as requested on the child’s IFSP.
- Refer family to service coordinator to assist families in accessing additional funding or services.
- Ensure complete and accurate documentation, including assessments, initial summaries, progress notes, transition reports, and home programs.
- Promote community capacity building and collaboration.
- Work collaboratively and treat others with respect & dignity.
- Contribute to the financial viability of the program through maintaining billable hours, as required.
- This position requires regular use of a personal vehicle with liability insurance that meets A&I Avenues standards. Mileage reimbursement is available.
- Participate in research projects, grants, and agency and interagency committees as opportunities arise.
- Participate in Child Find screenings/assessments as requested by family or A&I Avenues staff.
- Supervise volunteers, undergraduate, and graduate student interns.
- Incorporate families’ own toys and resources into therapy sessions to promote generalization of therapy techniques in the home.
- Use a parent coaching model to support families and child’s progress throughout intervention.
Job Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:
- Solid knowledge of child development, motor, cognition, social emotional and self-help areas.
- Expert knowledge of your therapy discipline (SLP, PT, OT). Skill in assessment, and in designing and implementing therapeutic techniques.
- Knowledge of state-of-the-art “best practices” services and supports for people with development disabilities.
- Knowledge of Hanen technique.
- Ability to interact with children at developmentally appropriate levels.
- Solid knowledge of laws regarding early intervention as well as abuse and neglect; ability to report any situation which warrants social services involvement.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels. Ability to meet documentation requirements and uphold standards of confidentiality.
- Basic sign language skills.
- Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet based databases, email, etc.
- This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
Training/Education:
- Speech Language Pathologist:
- Master’s degree is Speech Language Pathology
- Meets requirements for Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) as set by ASHA
- Licensure through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
- Occupational Therapist:
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from accredited university preferred.
- Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from accredited university required.
- Certification by National Board of Occupational Therapists, Inc.
- Licensure through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
- Prefer training in Neuro Developmental Techniques, feeding and sensory processing.
- Physical Therapist:
- Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from accredited university preferred.
- Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from accredited university required.
- Licensure through Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Meets requirements for Physical Therapist Licensure.
- Prefer training in Neuro Developmental Techniques, infant massage.
Experience:
- 1-10 years of experience.
- Preferred experience working in early intervention.
- Preferred experience interacting with teams and therapists of other disciplines.
- Preferred experience with/training around parent coaching.
Working Environment/Physical Activities:
- Requires the ability to travel to various locations to meet with families, providers, etc.
- Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
Location: A&I Avenues offices, families’ homes/childcare centers/work from home (hybrid).
Schedule: M-F, flexibility to choose working days if able to meet billable expectation.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.