PROGRAM THERAPIST (LMSW, LCSW-C, LGPC, LCPC)(Autism - 12 Month Program)

Description$68,491 - $93,810 PER YEAR12-MONTHFULL-TIMEJob SummaryProgram Therapists (Therapists) at The Foundation Schools employ appropriate therapeutic strategies and techniques to promote social, emotional, and academic growth with the goal of improving the students’ ability to access curriculum and be available for learning. Therapists must provide related services in accordance with the students’ IEPs. They provide case management for students by collaborating with parents, guardians, and outside agencies. Therapists effectively manage student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules, policies, and procedures.FLSA STATUS: Exempt employeeEssential Job FunctionsEmploy clinical strategies and techniques to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions to encourage students to be school readyEnsure counseling and behavioral support service requirements are met to maintain 100% compliance with students’ IEPs and requirements are rendered as prescribed on the IEPDemonstrate knowledge of and the ability to adapt a variety of therapeutic interventions and behavior management practices to meet the needs of individual students; evaluate therapeutic effectiveness, document, and make modifications based on data, reflection and feedbackAssess the need for emergency petitions; ensure procedures are followed and documentation is completed accuratelyConduct student functional behavioral assessments (FBAs)Provide case management for students by collaborating with parents, guardians, and outside agencies; make appropriate referrals for needed services and look for new resources that support students’ social and emotional growthMaintain a safe and therapeutic area that is conducive to counselingParticipate in the development and monitoring of students’ IEPs, BIPs, and FBAs including completion of required documentation within set guidelinesComplete required related service notes and billing documentation accurately and within assigned deadlines; ensure Medicaid forms are completed by parents/guardiansProvide clinical supervision to the dedicated aides assigned to the students on their caseloads to help the dedicated aides understand the students’ social, emotional, and academic profile; collaborate with these dedicated aides to develop and implement specialized interventions and incentive plans as neededMonitor students’ attendance and truancy; develop incentive plans to address issues as needed; assess the need for and make appropriate referrals to the Links programDemonstrate an understanding of how our students’ disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students’ diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students’ IEPs and BIPsEffectively manage student behavior through implementation of behavior management systems, school rules, policies, and procedures; model appropriate behavior for students during the school dayProactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptionsProactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all timesMaintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality proceduresDemonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills to manage student behaviors; utilize the behavior continuum in order to use or consider the use of the least restrictive behavioral interventions necessary; use effective, appropriate, and approved strategies during a crisis including the participation in seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and student restraints when necessary; consistently, and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 techniques or classroom behavior management strategiesWork with other therapists, teachers, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriateActively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activitiesConsistently model and implement the organization’s core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviorsComply with all of The Foundation Schools’ policies, rules, protocols, and proceduresComplete other duties as assignedBenefitsCompany Paid –Group Term Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability Insurances, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (Up to 8% employer contribution after 1 year of service for eligible employees), Educational Funds Assistance, 9 Paid Holidays, Paid Days Leave (PTO), Extended Sick Leave, Scheduled School LeaveCompany and Employee Cost Shared - Health Insurance (include prescription and visions benefits), Dental InsuranceEmployee Paid - Flexible Spending Account Plan (FSA) Medical & Dependent Care Accounts, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness BenefitsOther Benefits - Credit Union Membership, Free Parking on Site, Professional Development ProgramRequirementsQUALIFICATIONSEducation, Experience And CertificationMaster’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, psychiatric nursing or other related field is requiredCurrent Maryland clinical license is required; LCPC and LCSW-C are preferred MSDE School Social Worker certification or eligibility for MSDE School Social Worker certification (LGSW or LCSW-C only)Three or more years of successful clinical experience working with children and/or adolescents in a school setting is preferredKnowledge of DSM and IDEA and their specific applications to educating students with special education needs and emotional and other disabilities preferredBilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plusPhysical, Interpersonal and CognitiveUtilize basic office equipment such as computer, tablet, telephone, fax, copier, etc.Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programsMove and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitive Maintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families and community partnersWork positively and collaboratively with othersMaintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate attire, attendance, and timelinessDemonstrate effective time management and organization skills Prioritize and plan work activities Use time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goalsSpeak clearly and be understood by othersRead and express thoughts in a written formatPossess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balanceRespond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problemsWork with minimum supervision and meet deadlinesPhysically restrain or assist in student restraintsPossess sufficient mobility to provide program support and manage student behaviors