Senior Therapist - Parent Infant Education Program (PIE)

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. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is a unique and historic place to live and work.

About the Role

Under the direction of the Early Childhood Wellness Program Manager, this individual will serve as a 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 in areas that may impact their integration within home, education, or community environments.

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. The incumbent may serve as a clinical supervisor for practicum/intern students and provides coaching and guidance to Service Coordinators responsible for individualized developmental services and family supports under Part C of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (I.D.E.A.).

The Senior Therapist will provide case management, consultative, and direct services to individuals with developmental delays and disabilities, birth to age three, and their families to ensure necessary services are provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist Service Coordinators in problem-solving through coaching, mentoring, and provision of resources.
• Support a positive team environment and relationships.
• Respond to staff requests for technical assistance and clarification of regulatory requirements regarding the Pyramid Model Framework.
• Assist staff in ensuring a racial equity lens is utilized during all early intervention services.
• Serve as the Early Head Start and Part B program liaison.
• Review and assess early intervention case record documentation for compliance with Local, State, and Federal regulations.
• Serve as clinical supervisor for practicum/intern students.
• Perform related work as assigned.
• Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP).
• Ensure clinical assessment, intervention, and services are incorporated into and carried out through the IFSP.
• Support Transition Planning for children exiting the PIE Program.
• Participate in teaming meetings with other providers.
• Serve as an early intervention subject matter expert and consultant to the community, providing training and guidance related to child development.
• Provide supportive developmental services unique to each family’s situation using parent education, counseling, and coaching.
• Provide independent, individualized developmental and special education services and therapy for children 0-3.
• Serve as a liaison for families between service coordinators and other professionals regarding client progress and development.
• Conduct community outreach and awareness activities (e.g., playgroups, in-services, trainings, community leadership activities, and parent support groups).
• Prepare professional-level reports for families, physicians, and other service providers.
• Provide supervision to bachelor’s and master’s level student interns and train new employees.
• Facilitate meetings and ongoing training as needed.
• Participate in local, state, and regional meetings and other activities as assigned.
• Maintain client clinical and administrative records.

Requirements

Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field; at least two years of post-graduate work experience in providing direct clinical services to consumers with substance abuse, psychiatric, and emotional disorders; and licensure or license eligibility (completed all required education and supervision) as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP), or Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of 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. Employees must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the state of their residence if driving is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 discipline-specific requirements for Counselor, Human Development and Family, Family Therapist, Psychologist, or Social Worker.
• Certified by the State Lead Agency both as an Early Intervention Professional and Early Intervention Case Manager.
• At least three years or more of clinical job experience.

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 offers compassionate, collaborative, and effective person- and family-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety, recovery, and resiliency for Alexandria children and all residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse disorders.

Schedule

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