Child Development Specialist

Description
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction and supervision of the department Director evaluates & treats pediatric clients with physical and/or developmental delays, develops treatment plans, and provides therapy services designed to maximize client and family functioning.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (other duties may also be assigned, see discipline-specific guidelines in Exhibit A-D):
A. Direct Service:
1.Serve as a member of the Pediatric Services team at Easter Seals Superior California (ES).
2.Evaluate pediatric clients, in various settings including but not limited to natural environments (homes, parks, community settings), therapeutic clinics, schools, etc., referred for (specific discipline) services using established evaluation procedures and standardized assessment tools.
3.Develop discipline-specific plans of care in collaboration with key stakeholders (caregivers, care providers, school staff, nurses, other professionals (internal and external to ES), etc.), for various settings including but not limited to natural environments (homes, parks, community settings), therapeutic clinics, schools, etc.
4.Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment and intervention.
5.Able to actively engage infants, toddlers, and/or young children.
6.Consult and assist with the implementation of discipline-specific components of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individual Educational Plans (IEPs), and insurance/private pay plans of care both internally and externally.
7.Monitor and provide direct ongoing intervention, or consultation service to clients for an assigned caseload in the Pediatric program in various settings (including but not limited to natural environments, Easter Seals clinics, and schools).
8.Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with key stakeholders.
9.Coach, educate, train, and work in collaboration with key stakeholders & professional team members to develop individualized and functional home and school programs.
10.Instruct and support key stakeholders in the proper and safe use of supportive equipment.
11.Collaborate with Easter Seals staff, families, medical personnel, and other related providers (translators, external allied healthcare providers, school personnel), as necessary, regarding significant client matters and concerns.
12.Make appropriate referrals as necessary (intra-agency & interagency) in collaboration and communication with funding sources (regional center, school, healthcare system) and client caregivers.
13.Comply with privacy laws and requirements under HIPAA regulations and understand the consequences of non-compliance.
14.Follow all safety procedures as outlined by the Injury, Illness and Prevention Program (IIPP) Safety Manual and understand the consequences of non-compliance.
15.Provide exceptional customer services, both internally and externally.
16.Supervise (discipline-specific) students, volunteers, interns, and therapy assistants as appropriate to discipline and as assigned.
B. Meetings and Documentation:
1.Attend and participate in pediatric staff meetings (including departmental meetings, team meetings, in-services, and training) as required by the department and team.
2.Meet with the department Director or Assistant Director as requested.
3.Document client sessions, responses, and progress using the required department format.
4.Maintain accurate and timely therapy records, case files, and other documentation in coordination with the Pediatric team's expectations.
5.Attend IFSP, IEP, and/or meetings as requested/directed.
C. Caseload Management & Productivity:
1.Coordinate appointments and proactively manage caseload expectations.
2.Accountable to meet monthly productivity expectations.
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Requirements
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1991.
A. Education and/or Experience:
1.Minimum education requirements via diploma from:
a. For OT/PT/SLP: an accredited program
b. For CDS: minimum of a Master's degree in Child Development, (Human Development or Special Education) or related field.
i. All employees hired before 1/2021 with a bachelor's degree are grandfathered.
B. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
1. For OT/PT/SLP position requires licensure with the appropriate California licensure board.
2. For OT/PT/SLP complete continuing education to maintain licensure in good standing with the licensure board.
3. Possession of a current valid California Driver's License, proof of insurance, and a driving record that meets the standards of the agency.
4. Requires current certificate in:
a. For PT: Basic Life Support for Health Care Professionals; meet the Physical Therapy Board of California Continuing Competency requirements under §1399.93.
b. For all others: high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with AED course for adults, children & infants.
5.Requires current certificate in Basic First Aid from an approved provider.
6.Requires fingerprint clearance and background check through the Department of Justice and FBI.
7.Requires passing of pre-placement physical and back assessment.
8.Requires proof of negative TB test within the past twelve (12) months of hire.
9.Completes internal compliance training on an agency-wide compliance training platform.
C. Working Knowledge of:
1.Disabilities and related characteristics of individuals served by the agency, including emotional/social aspects.
2.Discipline-specific knowledge of principles and procedures of assessing infants, toddlers, and/or young children with disabilities.
3.Discipline-specific principles and procedures of treatment planning and goal setting.
4.Discipline-specific treatment techniques (see discipline-specific exhibits at the end of this document)
5.Working knowledge of community resources, related agencies, available services, and special education practices.
D. Communication/Language Skills:
1.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
2.Ability to demonstrate effective interpersonal communication (including internal and external communications) including but not limited to:
3.Responding with appropriate urgency to communication internally and externally. For example: sharing age scores with the team without repeated requests, updating regional center service coordinators with frequency changes, etc.
4.Ability to write, read, analyze, and interpret assessment results and reports.
5.Ability to follow written and verbal directions & instructions.
6.Ability to effectively be able to present information and respond to questions from parents, staff, clients, regional center staff and the public.
E. Mathematical Skills:
1. Ability to apply basic math concepts including Calculate figures and/or amounts using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
F. Reasoning Ability:
1. Ability to solve practical problems and use available resources.
2. Interpret and follow a variety of instructions provided verbally, written, in diagram and/or schedule form.
3. Maintain composure and good judgment under stressful conditions.
4.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, consumers, regional center staff and the public.
G. Other Skills and Abilities
1.Maintain effective and professional working relationship with clients, families, care providers, school, personnel, and co-workers.
2.Competent computer skills and/or willingness and agility to learn new computer skills including:
a.Use of an electronic medical record system
b. Microsoft Suite (basic Word, basic Excel, SharePoint, and Outlook)
3.Submits timesheets, attached documents, & reimbursements per agency policy and department
expectations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1991.
A. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
1.Ability to demonstrate the capacity to perform the physical demands of the position with reasonable accommodation as needed.
2.Walk/propel wheelchair, sit, stand, transfer, and lift/carry items weighing up to 40 lbs.
3.Push children in or on therapeutic equipment up to 100 lbs. with assistance when needed.
4.Use hands or adaptations to handle clients and equipment, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls.
5.Safely move and position large mats and therapy equipment as needed for intervention.
6.Safely drive a motor vehicle.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essentials of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform essential functions.
A varied work environment is provided in family's homes, communities, clinics, and classroom settings. Noise level and lighting conditions are variable and will depend on the location and family home. Clinic, office areas, and/or classroom size allow for wheelchair access and maneuverability. Meeting room facilities also provide wheelchair access.