- Oversee and coordinate therapeutic staff in the clinical department(s).
- Ensure that services, documentation and evaluations are in compliance with the New York State Education Department, Department of Health and other oversight agencies.
- Order materials and/or equipment necessary for assessment and therapeutic intervention (i.e., current editions of standardized assessment tools, therapeutic materials appropriate to the developmental needs of the student).
- Assist in interviewing prospective employees and performing new hire employee orientation training.
- Contact local therapeutic placement agencies if consultant services are needed.
- Assess student needs through a variety of formal and informal measures.
- Analyze assessment results to form appropriate differential diagnoses and generate objective goals for students.
- Develop and implement appropriate strategies for intervention as per the student’s IEP.
- Perform appropriate and effective treatment activities.
- Inform team members of the child’s current level of functioning, progress and goals/activities to be carried over into the classroom environment.
- Complete and maintain all required paperwork in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Participate in conferences, including parent, team and district meetings, as assigned.
- Maintain appropriate professional standards in interactions with families.
- Demonstrate the ability to be an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Integrate information and strategies offered by team members and other professionals.
- Demonstrate knowledge of job responsibilities.
- Coordinate and/or conduct in-service training for staff, as needed.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize problems that occur and handle effectively or report them immediately.
- Demonstrate flexibility and be readily adaptable to change.
- Demonstrate effective time management.
- Complete annual performance evaluations of staff.
- Maintain caseload as required.
- Schedule and coordinate services among therapists in accordance with IEP mandates.
- Review all documentation including evaluations, progress reports and session notes prior to submission to school districts, Medicaid, Nassau County Department of Health, etc.
- Screen prospective students and assist with class placement, as requested.
- Ensure that students have the appropriate tools to meet their personal and programmatic needs (i.e., augmentative communication systems, sensory and adaptive equipment, etc.)
- Maintain the proper functioning of all equipment.
- Serve as a liaison between student families and the school districts.
- Maintain professional relationships with universities and coordinate internships for undergraduate and graduate students.
STANDARD 2: Therapy Environment Management
- Responsible for health and safety of students during therapy sessions.
- Responsible for the safety of all students during the school day.
- Maintain a healthy, safe and attractive environment.
STANDARD 3: Professional Behavior
- Conduct self at all times in an appropriate manner.
- Adhere to program-specific policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
STANDARD 4: Professional Development
- Participate in program-required in-services and act in an appropriate manner.
- Participate in continuing education activities and seek support to enhance knowledge in areas pertinent to children in the program.
- Participate with Assistant Director and Director and implement recommendations appropriately.
STANDARD 5: Adhere to general policies of the organization/regulators, including:
- Corporate Compliance.
- Code of Ethical Conduct.
- Departmental in-service education program requirements.
- Quality Improvement Activities.
- Policies and procedures (attendance, punctuality, appearance, professional attitude, etc.)
- Regulatory requirements.
- Emergency/disaster preparedness protocols.
- Fire prevention and safety protocols.
- Infection control practices and procedures.
- Annual physical examination and Mantoux testing.
STANDARD 6: Perform other related duties, as required:
- Demonstrate understanding of the needs of students and visitors for each specific age group.
- Address the special needs of each age group served.
- Address safety and psychological needs of the special age groups, as appropriate, in the performance of work activities.
- Address the needs of special groups, hearing impaired, physically challenged and various issues relating to the program and facility.
- Maintain child and family confidentiality.
- Be consistently courteous and considerate, in person and on the telephone, in interactions with children and others such as family, visitors, vendors and other employees.
- Exhibit the “At Your Service” attitude, i.e. smile, use positive eye contact and be friendly, open and approachable.
- Respond quickly to students and/or parent/guardian’s request, refer to appropriate member of the care team if necessary and inform supervisor of actions taken.
- Promote positive co-worker relationships, teamwork and cooperation.
- Work collaboratively and be respectful of others.
- Demonstrate flexibility as well as the ability to handle numerous responsibilities.
- Take individual responsibility for providing outstanding service quality.
STANDARD 7: Cultural Competencies:
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of disability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
- Demonstrate the ability to recognize and manage personal behaviors to create an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to deliver culturally responsive services to students and families.