Early Interventionist - Special Educator

Overview St. Josephs Healthcare System is recognized for the expertise and compassion of its highly skilled and responsive staff. The combined efforts of the organizations outstanding physicians, superb nurses, and dedicated clinical and professional staff have made us one of the most highly respected healthcare organizations in the state, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the nations 100 Best Places to Work in Health Care. Job Overview Under general supervision and within the scope of early intervention services, the Early Interventionist evaluates, plans, directs and administers individualized therapeutic treatment programs addressing developmental skills of the child and parenting skills of the caregiver. Writes evaluations, progress notes/reports, discharge summaries, maintains patient files and develops Individualized Family Service Plans. Counsels patients and/or family members regarding rehabilitation diagnosis, plan of care and prognosis. Maintains current knowledge of regulatory/legislative policies as they apply to the profession of early childhood and adheres to same. Responsibilities Complete comprehensive assessments of infants/toddlers with a full spectrum of diagnoses/delays of cognitive, play, social-emotional and behavioral (other areas as needed) skills and interpret data to formulate a plan, as evidenced by review of 2 new cases per quarter during record review process. Uses evidence-based models of treatment appropriately and effectively. Develop and implement treatment strategies to engage, support and assist children and their families in a culturally competent manner. Provides education and counseling to patients and/or families including: nature of disorder, prognosis, type of therapy to be performed, home programs, safe us of adaptive equipment, and parenting techniques. Participates in the development and implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), IFSP meetings, and team planning meetings. As evidenced by developmentally appropriate functional family outcome by review of 4 IFSPs per quarter. Assures financial viability of patient accounts based on payer requirements. Documents services provided to clients, maintains records, and completes daily/monthly/periodic paperwork according to departmental/regulatory standards, including: evaluation/assessment reports, progress notes, verification logs, progress summaries, statistics and NJEIS paperwork in required timeframes. Provides case management/Program Contact services, including advocacy, linkage and referrals, collaboration with departments, services, agencies within or outside of the scope of SJHS, other coordination of care services, and is resource to families and EI team members in this regard Meets System productivity standards Updates clinical knowledge through continuing education activities & participation in quality/performance improvement activities. Provide follow-up in-service to team members Participates in departmental meetings or reads minutes as necessary to assure compliance with disseminated information. Participates in staff and program development. Meets all required competencies for department, unit and/or hospital. Responsible for performing all other duties as assigned. Qualifications Work requires the knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree in Special Education or closely related field and Certification in one or more of the following is required: Teacher of the Handicapped, Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Teacher of the Hearing Impaired OR Master's degree in Early Childhood/Special Education, Early Intervention or closely related field and two years of previous work related experience with young children with disabilities and their families plus three to six months of on the job orientation OR Bachelor's degree in psychology from an accredited institution with coursework in behavioral methodology for children and at least one year experience working with young children (ages birth to three years) implementing behavioral intervention programs (fulfilled with resume OR copy of Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education from an accredited institution and copy of Teach Certification and 9 credit hours of coursework in special education and copy of Teacher's Certificate for Preschool through Grade 3 and NJ Department of Education or copy of Master's degree from an accredited institution in developmental or clinical psychology including coursework in infant and early childhood assessment and/or family training and counseling. CPR certification required. Valid drivers license required and comply with Qualifications to Drive a System Vehicle as well as all policies as outlined in the SJHS Fleet Management & Safety Program.