Address
Form of workChildren's Specialized Hospital, a member of the RWJBH Healthcare System, is the nation's leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges - from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health.
Children's Specialized Hospital is now in its third century of caring for those in need. Our Boards of Trustees, physicians, therapists, nurses, staff, volunteers, and donors remain dedicated to the very ideals of the Hospital's founders and committed to providing the best care possible so that every child who seeks our help reaches their fullest potential.
At 16 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective...so children can achieve more of their goals.
JOB SUMMARY
Along with other core team members, the Early Intervention Occupational Therapist (OT), screens, evaluates, provides ongoing assessment. Aides in the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for each child and provides direct services to children eligible for early intervention services with delays in the areas of physical, cognitive, communication, social, and adaptive development. The OT along with other team members instructs parents and caregivers by modeling appropriate strategies to incorporate into the routines of the family. To problem solve, discuss progress and challenges of each child and prepare transition|discharge plan when appropriate.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Completes developmental evaluations in the child's natural environment that accurately and efficiently identify strengths and needs. Communicates effectively with families and other team member in oral and written formats, in formal and informal situations.
Supports and enhances the family's ability to interact with their child in their daily routines.
Displays competency in providing strategies that are appropriate, including measurable and functional outcomes, as part of the IFSP. Makes recommendations for ongoing services in collaboration with family, service coordination, and other team members based on the family concerns, outcomes and routines.
Uses the NJ Birth to Three Early Learning Standards as a common framework for understanding and communicating developmentally appropriate expectations for infants and toddlers.
Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate discipline specific tools|checklists to fully assess child need in the area of fine motor and adaptive skills and can describe and detail those strategies that require a licensed OT vs those strategies that can be implemented by any skilled member of the team
Addresses IFSP outcomes by selecting and adapting appropriate activities, incorporating a variety of intervention models including evidenced based strategies. Evaluates the effectiveness of methods while meeting family outcomes.
Maintains sensitivity to parent's personal circumstances as well as maintains confidentiality and adheres to the NJEIS Code of Conduct.
Completes session notes according to departmental rules and records data as appropriate for each child.
Takes responsibility for seeking supervision|consultation in relationship to clinical performance. Actively contributes to annual performance reviews and improvement plans, effectively utilizes feedback
Assists in the training of others in the EI philosophy, as well as a variety of evidenced based intervention models. Communicates job specific concerns and participates in developing solutions. Attends and participates at in-service trainings|staff meetings and conference calls.
Travels in personal vehicle to and from the natural environment of each family assigned.
Accurately records the time and frequency of services provided and records that information along with required signatures for billing. Submits billing for services as required by departmental policies and procedures.
Submits required paperwork timely and accurately adhering to departmental volume|productivity requirements.
Maintains ongoing communication with office via email, text and telephone. Responds quickly to any request for information.
FORMAL EDUCATION & JOB RELATED EXPERIENCE
At least 2 years' experience working with young children with disabilities. Targeted Evaluation team members (TET) require 2 years pediatric experience working and evaluating children ages 0-5.
Licensed Occupational Therapist, State of NJ, Department of Consumer Affairs Occupational Therapy Advisory Council pursuant to NJAC and NJSA. This includes a temporary license as approved by the NJ DOH personnel standards for early intervention personnel. Maintains valid NJ driver's license and required insurance.
Sound background in normal child development, knowledge of the educational and therapeutic value of an early intervention for children with identified developmental delays. knowledge of the basic principles of behavior management. Ability to conceptualize, interpret and integrate early childhood educational and intervention techniques into the family routines as identified by the family.
