Job Title:       Therapeutic Specialist

Department:  Community Services

Reports to:    Assistant Program Manager

Pay Grade:   14

FLSA:           Non Exempt

Date:            August 2020 (rev. 3/2024)

 

Purpose of Position- Promotes the health and welfare of participants. Coordinates caseload to ensure Therapeutic/Individual Plans are developed and implemented effectively.  Works with Facilitators and Supervisors to monitor the effectiveness of plans.  Ensures quality therapeutic integrity of services as well as compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Maintains professional relationships with participants as well as members of treatment team.

 

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

 1. Coordinates caseload to ensure Therapeutic/Educational Plans are developed and implemented effectively.

• Completes assessments to develop, revise, and update Individual Support Plans annually.
• Writes therapeutic/educational support plans and maintains progress notes/data tracking according to scheduled requirements.
• Is responsible for monthly Individual Plan trainings.
• Assists in the implementation of therapeutic/educational plans. This includes providing skilled instructional support to Facilitators.
• Supporting as a mentor to Facilitators seeking adaptations and ideas for their classes.
• Monitors the effectiveness of plans and seek continuous improvement.

 

2.  Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the participants.  
• Ensures health and safety requirements set forth by Imagine! guidelines as well as all regulating agencies.  This includes appropriate services and supports, such as positive instruction, assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, etc.
• Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports to replace aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior.
• Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community, by transporting them safely to recreational facilities or other community-based sites for activities, utilizing company cars, buses, walking, etc.

 

 

3. Acts in accordance with Imagine! policies, mission, and Service Plans.

• Supports and implements activities according to Imagine! guidelines, in the context of activity protocols and plans, and in the context of a nurturing, stable environment.
• Completes documentation and tracking in a timely, accurate manner.
• Communicates effectively with participants, guardians and family members, staff and all other members of participants’ treatment team. This includes checking email, voicemail, and managing phone calls regularly before and during each shift.

 

4. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine! Policies and Procedures.

• Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Imagine!’s quality standards, as well as following schedules, information sheets, and plans.
• Instructs in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, County and Municipal statutes, regulations, and Imagine! policies and procedures. 
• Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in the appropriate timeframe.
• Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor, and completes all related paperwork in a timely manner.

 

5. Maintains respectful and professional relationships with participants, staff, guardians and family members, and all other members of treatment teams. 

 

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervision of interns and/or volunteers, as assigned.
• Assists Program Manager in annual budget planning, as requested.
• Maintains and cares for Imagine! property, including supplies, vehicles, etc., being mindful of safety and cleanliness.
• Represents program in meetings and committees, as well as in promoting and marketing, as requested.
• Attends additional trainings as requested.
• Implement Individual Treatment/Behavior Plans developed by Behavior Therapists and/or BCBAs
• Respond appropriately to client’s challenging behaviors and implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavior Therapist or BCBA
• Collect data when working with some individuals
• Proactively communicate any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA

 

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:	·    General knowledge of community resources. ·    Demonstrated ability to engage in skilled interaction with people who require behavior development and/or therapeutic supports.  ·    Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels. ·    Effective and creative negotiator and problem solver. This includes the ability to provide crisis intervention and resolve conflict. ·    Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others. ·    Effective organizational and time management skills. ·    Ability to work effectively as a member of a team. ·    Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet based databases, assistive technology, etc. ·    Possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements. ·    This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.
Training/Education:	·    Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Psychology, or a related field required. ·    Ability to obtain certification or licensure as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or a related discipline within 6 months of hire.
Experience:	·       2 years of experience preferred. ·       OR some combination of education and experience.
Working Environment/Physical Activities	·    Ability to lift 50-75 pounds. ·     Ability to drive a mini van. ·     Ability to push wheelchairs and to lift and transfer participants as related to toileting, diaper changing, and other health and activity related needs. ·     Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualification