Early Support Physical Therapist (PT)

Description

About Kindering

Kindering, a not-for-profit neurodevelopmental center, has provided comprehensive services for children with special needs and their families since 1962. We are committed to creating and providing superior, individualized, family-centered services for children who are disabled, medically fragile, or vulnerable because of abuse or neglect. Kindering is dedicated to maintaining a highly trained, licensed, and certified team of professionals. Current services include comprehensive developmental assessments, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, family counseling, a feeding team, childcare consultation, parenting education, and family resource coordination.

Here at Kindering, we are dedicated to our vision for equity “I Belong”, our work towards eradicating the systemic, racial, and oppressive barriers in society so that everyone can succeed. We are a proud, equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive work environment and to building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our community, and actively encourage people from marginalized backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, immigrants, and refugees.

**Please note that the salary range listed in the job description is reflective of a 44–47 week schedule.**

Purpose

This role is designed to support our Early Supports team in developing, coordinating, and implementing family support plans as part of Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) for children aged birth to three who demonstrate neurodevelopmental, physical, and/or sensory differences.

We are in search of a dedicated individual with a proven track record of effectively collaborating with leaders and employees from diverse cultural backgrounds, along with a strong commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our work is dedicated to enhancing children’s development and learning environments through a combination of caregiver coaching, groups, and direct intervention. Physical Therapists empower caregivers to support fine and gross motor development through play within their natural learning environment.  Providers with feeding experience are encouraged to apply.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Build a culturally sensitive partnership with each child’s caregiving family to support their participation in their child’s learning  
• Provide caregiver coaching as a service delivery model to empower families with information and strategies to enhance the growth and development of their infant or toddler 
• Deliver routines-based, culturally relevant services within the child’s natural learning environment which includes home or community settings  
• Conduct formal and/or informal evaluations of a child’s development; prepare written reports and updates as required  
• Participate in the development and implementation of each child’s Individualized Service Plan as part of a team, including participation in IFSP meetings with caregivers, Family Resources Coordinator, and other providers 
• Incorporate evidence-based accommodations, modifications, and adaptations to enable a child to participate and learn in their natural environments; design and/or assist in developing adaptive equipment; educate primary caregivers in therapeutic strategies using this equipment 
• Collaborate as part of a team with the family, other service providers and community agencies, such as medical professionals, school district personnel and family advocates 
• Maintain accurate records of contact for each child and family, including daily progress notes and timely billing records  
• Participate in group programs as assigned; may include supporting development and learning of children within an interdisciplinary Stepping Stones community preschool class or supporting parent education through a BabySteps or Family Co-op class  
• Make referrals to appropriate community or Kindering programs, support groups, and other services; support family in advocating for themselves, their family, and their child.  
• Provide or support outreach, care planning, coordination, anticipatory guidance for complex health needs, assistance to access services, consultation, resource development, interagency coordination, training, program planning, quality management, and administration to support Medicaid programs as needed 

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Graduate of accredited Physical Therapy Program (Bachelor to Doctorate Degree) 
• Fluency in another language highly preferred
• Experience working with young children who have neuromuscular and developmental disorders, or a professional commitment to develop proficiency in this specialty
• Experience and comfort with interacting with diverse populations
• Strong teamwork skills
• Ability to demonstrate dependability and punctuality

Minimum Prerequisites

• Possess a valid Washington State DOH PT license or be in process of obtaining one
• Pass the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) criminal history and background check, as well as the FBI fingerprint check
• Strictly maintain the confidentiality of all client information in accordance with privacy regulations and organizational policies
• Demonstrate proficiency in word processing and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, and Access
• Possess a valid Washington State driver's license and maintain valid automobile insurance coverage
• Have access to a dependable personal vehicle for transportation purposes
• Possess the physical ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 40 pounds
• Provide documentation of a negative tuberculosis test result
• Provide proof of current immunizations, including COVID-19 and Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccines, or submit a titer test result demonstrating immunity*

*Kindering requires all employees to be vaccinated or apply and be approved for a sincerely held religious belief or medical exemption.

Salary : $72,000 - $117,000