DEVELOPMENTAL THERAPIST - EARLY LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS

LOGAN Community Resources, Inc.•South Bend, IN

About The Position

The Developmental Therapist serves children from birth to age 5 in Early Learning Partnerships in St. Joseph County, integrating therapeutic support strategies into classrooms and documenting strategies modeled for teachers. The therapist provides training and education to teachers and families about developmental delays, disabilities, and challenging behaviors, and administers developmental screenings as needed. The role also provides First Steps early intervention therapy for children from birth to age 3 in their homes or other natural environments. The therapist plans, implements, evaluates, and documents each child's therapeutic plan in collaboration with the child's parent or guardian, who attends home visits. The position supports children, families, teachers, and community partners while promoting children's development, safety, rights, and quality of life.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or above in child development, special education, early childhood education, or nursing, according to Indiana First Steps Program requirements.
Must be licensed in Indiana as a First Steps Provider.
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Must be willing to complete required training related to screenings, Early Learning Program curricula, professional development, and other job requirements.
Ability to communicate with appropriate staff, supervisors, and agency personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with community partners, teachers, children, and families.
Ability to work independently and use sound judgment.
Ability to keep job-related paperwork timely and organized.
Ability to lift a child age 5 or younger weighing approximately 55 pounds with adaptive equipment.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience serving children ages 0–3 is preferred.
One year of experience working in infant and/or toddler classrooms in an Early Learning Program is preferred but not required.
Ability to be creative in exploring new and innovative ideas.

Responsibilities

Devise and implement teaching styles and strategies suited to Early Learning Programs and the individual needs and developmental status of children and families.
Support caregivers as teachers by providing resources and assistance to help them meet each child's goals.
Facilitate and support the needs of teachers and children in Early Learning Program classrooms.
Provide caregivers with a developmental model of learning to help them understand children's needs and make appropriate program choices.
Visit and consult with other community service providers serving LOGAN children.
Consult with children and families in small groups when they share similar needs.
Prepare Individualized Family Service Plans with parents, other agencies, and ancillary staff, addressing family and child developmental needs in functional language.
Evaluate and record each child's overall programming with parents, appropriate agencies, and ancillary staff, and recommend curriculum enhancements or alternative placement when indicated.
Document evaluations using selected developmental checklists, quarterly reviews, evaluation reports, and family assessment checklists according to agency standards.
Bring children's or families' special needs to the attention of appropriate staff and other professionals.
Suggest expanded services or innovative programs to the Director and other Infant/Toddler staff when client needs are not being met.
Be responsible for the health and safety of children served, act as a role model and advocate, and protect their rights.
Participate in required training and perform other duties as assigned for the betterment of the program.
Plan trainings, instructional activities, and community activities.
Submit required documentation on time and maintain confidentiality while respecting cultural diversity and applicable LOGAN and Early Learning Program policies.
Provide evaluations in a variety of settings to determine program and infant/toddler needs.
Collaborate with First Steps staff and community agency personnel to develop appropriate Individual Family Service Plan outcomes.
Provide reports and written programs to families and professionals following First Steps guidelines, and to teachers, families, professionals, and community partners in Early Learning Programs.
Provide developmental screenings and demonstrate activities and strategies to families and caregivers.

Benefits

Accruing paid time off and holiday pay
Medical, dental, and vision plans
Prescription cost assistance program
Traditional and Roth 403(b) retirement plans, with company match up to 3% after one year of service
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account
Long-term disability and supplemental insurance plans
$15,000 company-paid life insurance
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility for full-time employees
Employee referral incentive for qualifying positions