The early interventionist (EI, “developmental therapist”) will coach and support the caregivers of children ages birth to five years with developmental disabilities. The EI will use the family-guided routines-based intervention (FGRBI) model to teach caregivers evidence-based strategies that can be used within their daily routines to build their children’s skills. The skills targeted will be determined by the individualized family service plan (IFSP). The EI will participate in IFSP development and support the family throughout the early intervention and transition processes.

The EI will develop and maintain positive relationships with caregivers and interact in a friendly, professional manner with colleagues. The position is funded through a State of Tennessee grant. The partnership is with TEIS (Tennessee Early Intervention System), and the EI will work

with other specialists from TEIS to support families. The work may be remote (telehealth sessions), in-person (requiring travel throughout Davidson and neighboring counties), or a hybrid. EIs provide DT services outside normal business hours virtually as needed. EIs do not provide DT services on weekends. The EI is responsible for their own travel.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Schedules and completes developmental therapy (DT) sessions at the home, in the community, or via telehealth according to family’s needs and IFSP requirements

Ensures DT sessions are conducted according to TEIS/SGS policies and procedures

Documents DT sessions and related communications in the Tennessee Early Intervention Data System (TEIDS) within required timeline

Ensures documentation meets TEIS/SGS requirements 

Exhibits Family-Guided Routines-Based Intervention (FGRBI) Provider Competencies

Uses the Division of Early Childhood’s (DEC) Recommended Practices

Teaches evidence-based, developmentally appropriate strategies to caregivers

Collects and reports data on progress toward IFSP goals

Participates in IFSP/IEP development and team meetings

Participates in SGS mission-related activities (e.g., hosts practicum students studying early childhood special education as requested by supervisor)

Builds and maintains positive, productive relationships with caregivers and colleagues

Creates and maintains files for all children based on TEIS/SGS requirements

Meets TEIS/SGS continuing education requirements

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Community EI Director, who reports to the Director of the Susan Gray School.

Education and Certifications:

A bachelor’s degree or higher in education, special education, child development, or a similar field is required.

A bachelor’s degree in some related fields (e.g., psychology) will qualify if accompanied by a minimum of one year of experience working with children with disabilities 0-5 years of age and their families.

Experience and Skills:

Specific experience or skill in relevant domains (e.g., early childhood special education; early childhood education; special education; family-centered support practices; home visiting) is preferred.

About the Work Unit:

The Susan Gray School encompasses a site-based preschool program for children with and without disabilities as well as the Community Early Intervention program, formerly “outreach program,” in which early interventionists work. As Community EI staff, EIs work remotely and in

home- or community-based settings; however, work space is sometimes available at SGS and the SGS administrative team supports Community EI in many ways. Both the site-based and the community-based programs are committed to supporting young children to master developmentally appropriate cognitive, communication, motor, social, and adaptive skills.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

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