Job Announcement

Works as part of the Infant and Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls church with our team of early intervention professionals and case managers providing specialized services to eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. As part of this team, screens, evaluates, assesses, and develops Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for infants, toddlers, and their families for Part C services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Responsibilities include:

• Participates in the Assessment for Service Planning as an evaluator and develops the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with equal input from parents and other members of the multidisciplinary team including clinical interventionists and service coordinators. Demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge regarding current assessment tools for the early intervention population. In development of the IFSP, writes long-term and short-term clinical goals to be formulated in the following areas of development: social, gross and fine motor, self-help, cognition, receptive and expressive language, and play. Uses assigned electronic equipment (Microsoft Surface Pro, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) in creating documents to be shared with other team members and families.
• Completes timely documentation of eligibility determination, assessments, contacts with family, and progress in accordance to department rules. Adheres to documentation standards set forth by department. Utilizes authentic assessment practices in clinical evaluation and treatment in accordance with IFSP outcomes and documents accordingly. Ensures compliance of federal, state, and local regulations and requirements for service provision. Demonstrates understanding of current state rules and regulations guiding early intervention practice in Virginia and when needed accesses such information independently and/or with guidance from program supervisors.
• Conducts ongoing clinical interventions using natural learning environment practices. Delivers services using the primary service provider model. Interacts and supports families using coaching style of interaction. Builds joint plans based on family routines and child interests. Regularly observes, evaluates, assesses, and records the developmental progress of the children, updating the IFSP. Utilizes authentic assessment practices in clinical evaluation and treatment in accordance with IFSP outcomes and documents accordingly.
• Participates in staff and team meetings to support a collaborative approach to the development of each infant and toddler and in adherence of natural learning environment practices. Participates in meetings as subject matter expert in own discipline while also providing support and strategies for multi-disciplinary team members. Presents to staff members on areas of expertise and when applicable, including after pursuing outside continuing education opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned which may include the following: participation in workgroups aimed at improving practices or procedures. Participation in workgroups to include wellness and learning in the workplace. Supervision of graduate students and allowing observation by undergraduate students. Collaboration with local universities in maintaining and establishing links between undergraduate and graduate student placements. Participation in outreach events.

Illustrative Duties

Participates in the planning of schedules;
Participates in the development and revision of manuals, guides and resource materials;
Participates in the evaluation of existing programs and the development of new ones;
Participates in the recruitment of professional staff and in the supervision of graduate student trainees in speech pathology;
Evaluates all types of communication disorders and summarizes results in concise and accurate reports;
Plans and administers an individualized program of speech and/or language therapy;
Counsels the family concerning the nature and progress of the client's therapy, and suggests activities to be performed at home;
Maintains regular therapy logs to be compiled periodically into a written progress report.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of speech pathology;
Knowledge of, and the ability to administer, various types of speech programs;
Knowledge of physical and psychological disabilities affecting speech, and of their social implications;
Skill in administering diagnostic tests and various types of speech programs;
Skill in communicating orally with clients and their families;
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, family members and professional colleagues;
Ability to evaluate existing programs and develop new ones;
Ability to work independently.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a master's degree in speech pathology; plus one year of experience in speech pathology.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver's license;
Certification in speech pathology by the American Speech and Hearing Association;
Must have a license in speech pathology issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia;
Early Intervention Certification (VA) - Required within 30 days of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry, a driving record check, and a check with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to the satisfaction of the employer. Appointee must also complete a tuberculosis (TB) test prior to appointment.

Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions within this class will require a National Provider Identifier. Virginia licensure and ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence required. Certification by Virginia as an Early Intervention Professional will need to be completed prior to start of work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingual in any language, preferably; Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Urdu, Farsi, Amharic and Mandarin. Experience working with families, infants and toddlers, or working with children with special needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift 50 pounds children and Equipment. Ability to drive to home for visits. Ability to use keyboard driven equipment. All duties perform with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.