Senior Therapist - Infant / Child Development Clinical Specialist

City of Alexandria, Virginia; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Therapist to join their dedicated team in Alexandria. This role involves providing clinical assessment, intervention, and therapeutic services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays. As a vital part of a multidisciplinary team, you will lead and mentor Service Coordinators, ensuring high-quality family-centered services. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in a relevant field and have experience working with children with atypical development. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of families while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Signing bonus of $3,000

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 2+ years of clinical experience required.
• Licensure eligibility as LPC, LCSW, LSATP, or Clinical Psychologist in Virginia.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical assessment and therapeutic services for children with developmental delays.
• Supervise Service Coordinators and support family-centered services.

Skills

Clinical Assessment

Intervention Techniques

Communication Skills

Supervision and Leadership

Bilingual Therapy

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Senior Therapist

Infant / Child Development Clinical Specialist

This position qualifies for a signing bonus of $3,000.The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Senior Therapist position.

An Overview

Under the direction of Early Childhood Wellness Program Manager, this individual will serve as subject matter expert for infants and toddlers with delays and disorders in social-emotional development, cognitive development (particularly sensorimotor and preoperational), atypical development including autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and behavior.

A Senior Therapist in the Part C Early Intervention Program provides clinical assessment, intervention and therapeutic services for families of children with atypical development. Employees in this class provide diagnostic assessments which guide the therapist in referring the child or family to additional treatment services, job opportunities, medical treatment, and other community referral sources, as needed. The therapist generally conducts these tasks during regular working hours and may serve as clinical supervisor for practicum/intern students, as well as for co-workers seeking licensure.

The individual in this role will provide supervision and direction to the Service Coordinators responsible for providing individualized developmental services and family supports that promote the development of children and increase the self-sufficiency of families as outlined under Part C of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.) and its supporting regulations.

What You Should BringThe ideal candidate should have thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior including treatment issues related to psychiatric problems, dual-diagnosis, and chemical dependency; good knowledge of psychopharmacology, psychiatric disorders, and juvenile delinquency; ability to work successfully with a variety of consumers; ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing; and the ability to plan and supervise the work of interns or students.

The Opportunity

Supervision & Leadership

• Provides reflective supervision and completes annual performance evaluations for Service Coordinators.
• Ensures that Service Coordinators provide high-quality family-centered services.
• Assist Service Coordinators in problem-solving through coaching, mentoring, and provision of resources.
• Directs staff assignments and monitors case management workloads.
• Supports positive team environment and relationships.
• Assists Service Coordinators with setting individual and team goals.
• Responds to staff requests for technical assistance and clarification of regulatory requirements.
• Participates in Service Coordinator recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes.
• Assists staff in ensuring a racial equity lens is utilized during all early intervention services.
• Serves as the Early Head Start and Part B program liaison.
• Reviews and assesses early intervention case record documentation according to pre-set indicators to evaluate compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations.
• Conducts record reviews and observations of services provided by Service Coordinators.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Clinical

• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team of service providers, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists, to develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP).
• Ensures that clinical assessment, intervention, and services are incorporated into and carried out through the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Supports Transition Planning for children exiting the PIE Program.
• Participates in teaming meetings with other providers.
• Serves as an early intervention subject matter expert and consultant to the community and provides training and guidance related to child development.
• Provides supportive developmental services that are unique to each family’s situation utilizing modalities of parent education, counseling, and coaching.
• Provides independent, individualized developmental and special education services and therapy for children 0-3.

Administrative and Outreach

• Serves as a liaison for families between service coordinators and other professionals regarding client progress and development.
• Conducts community outreach and awareness activities (i.e. playgroups, in-services, trainings, community leadership activities, and parent support groups).
• Prepares professional level reports for families, physicians, and other service providers.
• Provides supervision to bachelors and masters level student interns and trains new employees.
• Monitors staff training needs and requirements to ensure Service Coordinators meet department and Part C credentialing standards.
• Facilitates service coordination meetings and ongoing training as needed.
• Participates in local, state, and regional meetings and other activities as assigned.
• Maintains client clinical and administrative records.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Children and Families (CCF) provides programs and services for Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Child Welfare & Child Protective Services, Early Childhood and Youth Development. CCF provides compassionate, collaborative, and effective person and family-centered services based on best practices.

Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education, or related field; at least two years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to consumers with one or more substance abuse, psychiatric, and emotional disorders; and licensure or license eligibility as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), or Clinical Psychologist in Virginia at the time of appointment; if license eligible, the employee must obtain Virginia licensure at the first available opportunity, but no later than one year after appointment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Employees must possess a valid driver's license issued by the state of their residence if they are in a position with driving responsibilities.

At least one year of prior experience providing intervention to infants 0-3. Endorsement as an Infant Mental Health Specialist or Infant Mental Health Mentor. Training or experience in adult learning principles. Ability to provide services as a bilingual therapist. At least one year of personnel experience in providing Part C early intervention supports and services in Virginia. Must meet the discipline-specific requirements for one of the following: Counselor, Human Development and Family, Family Therapist, Psychologist, or Social Worker. Certified by the State Lead Agency as an Early Intervention Professional and Early Intervention Case Manager. At least three years or more of clinical job experience.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to: Criminal Records Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; education/certifications; and driver's license.

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.