Staff Therapist Job Description

Staff therapist is a professional position, and professionalism and courtesy is expected and required at all times.

Staff therapists provide the front line treatment to our clients.

Staff therapists implement all skill development procedures exactly as prescribed for each child. This includes with social praise and enthusiasm as directed, as we are teaching emotion skills as well as language and other skills.

Staff therapists implement all behavior procedures for each child exactly as prescribed.

Staff therapists must record all data as requested.

Staff therapists may never unilaterally alter procedures. Any problems with procedures, behaviors, or other issues are to be brought to the immediate attention of the Clinical Program Director or Behavioral Consultant.

These programs take place in the client’s homes. A staff therapist carries a great deal of responsibility for a child’s program, and this is a commitment that cannot be undertaken lightly. Parents rely on staff therapists because without you their child does not receive therapy. Reliability and commitment are absolutely necessary for the sake of these children. Staff therapist training is a large investment on the part of the parents, Bridges and the team. It is important that anyone considering this position realize that it is an intensive, difficult, and challenging situation a good deal of the time. There may be behaviors that some staff therapists have trouble dealing with – we provide you with training for those situations but they can still be emotionally trying. On the other hand, the day a child finally “gets” a concept you have worked long and hard to teach, or the first day a child speaks, says I love you, or initiates a hug with you, or if you are very, very lucky the day a child goes off to regular school; those days will live with you forever. Those of us who have done this for a while realize it is the most difficult as well as the most rewarding thing we have ever done.

All staff therapists must be at least 18 years of age and have completed the initial workshop training provided at the beginning of the child’s program. Any therapists hired after the beginning of a child’s program must be trained, pass a basic competency test, and observed to be competent by the Clinical Program Director or Behavioral Consultant before working with the child.

Staff therapists must fill out all tax forms and other forms as needed by Bridges and other agencies as requested.

Shift time is precious and valuable. Staff therapists must be on time and work the hours that they schedule with the parents. All staff therapists must attend the weekly clinic meetings. Staff therapists are not allowed to work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week without advance written permission from the President of the Company. Therapist hours may only be rearranged at the consent of the parents and supervising staff.

Staff therapists are expected to act appropriately and are responsible for leaving the therapy room and other work areas organized and reasonably clean.

Confidentiality of the family is paramount, and staff therapists may not discuss information pertaining to the family outside of the client’s team at any time.

Page Updated July 2007