Cognitive specialist

Cognitive Activities Specialist

Job Locations US-NJ-Toms River

Requisition ID

2024-16033

Category

Rehabilitation Therapy

Status

Full Time

Overview

Position Summary :

Develops cognitive based programs and provides structured group activities to person served to develop life skills and personal enrichment through meaningful activities and to meet specific rehabilitation needs.

Participates in treatment team meetings, develops day program treatment goals, and maintains administrative responsibilities.

Provides leadership to staff and person served in assigned group room.

Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities :

Develops and implements group cognitive-based programs for persons served under the guidance of the trans-disciplinary treatment team, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), the Individual Program Plan (IPP), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), and established Bancroft policies and procedures.

• Provides direct and consultative day treatment services in cognitive based activities to persons served :
• Plans and conducts group sessions to provide therapeutic activities and / or special rehabilitation skills to persons served in day treatment setting.
• Effectively utilizes available information regarding therapy and treatment for each person served. Provides assistance in the development of cognitive activities and treatment-specific goals and objectives;
• Assists program management in the design of functional strategies and the need for adaptive equipment that enhances learning and creates an environment best suited to individual profile and needs.
• Prompts and / or assists each person served in the achievement of goals while actively encouraging the independence and competency of each person within his / her ability limit;
• Provides suggestions regarding the utilization of techniques and / or materials to support and enhance cognitive abilities;
• identifies barriers that may impede individual progress, and recommends environmental accommodations to support functioning and facilitate the carryover of treatment goals;
• Demonstrates and instructs persons served and staff in the proper use of functional and adaptive equipment, devices and cognitive strategies;
• Utilizes a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, accountable, and conforms to federal, state and other applicable policies and procedures;
• develops and maintains progress reports, data reports, etc., as required by the IPP;
• Provides training on a variety of topics and specific curriculum to persons served and staff members regarding the implementation and monitoring of treatment plans, etc.
• Working with Trans-Disciplinary team members, participates in assessments and develops treatment plans for individual persons served :
• Participates in the review of individual records, administration of standardized / formal / informal testing, conducting of specialized screenings, etc.
• and provides recommendations for service delivery;
• May perform assessment of the individual's abilities within the Bancroft Day Program Setting to determine the individual's rehabilitation needs;
• Based on assessment, develops and modifies treatment plans based upon the individual's abilities. As requested by team members, provides reassessment of persons served, focusing on targeted areas of need at established intervals;
• Plans and develops goals specific to Day Treatment Services that are achievable, functional, measurable, and will be effectively utilized in each individual's rehabilitation program.
• Provides ongoing support, guidance and mentoring for other staff in implementing treatment plans, general interactions, engagement, daily care, goal implementation, level of support and safety for assigned individuals.

Accepts reassignment on short notice and on a regular basis in order to carry out these responsibilities.

• In the absence of the Program management, will oversee staff within group rooms :
• Serves as first point of contact during assigned shift / schedule for daily and emergency situations;
• Ensures proper staffing levels and work distribution within assigned program site in accordance with levels of supervision, Annex A, and / or program descriptions;
• Ensures completion of required paperwork by staff for accuracy and for submission to program management;
• Aids in the resolution of problematic or more complicated situations occurring within program site. Notifies program management of any unusual or emergency situations;
• Effectively transitions with the staff of the incoming and outgoing shifts;
• Provides input to program management regarding the ongoing job performance of staff;
• Promptly reports any infraction of Bancroft policies to program management;
• Effectively communicates with program management regarding all activities at assigned program site.
• Contributes in facilitating a team approach to program development, implementation, and monitoring by effectively collaborating with all specialty / clinical disciplines, parents / guardians, residential and day program staff, etc.

to identify and best meet the individual rehabilitation needs of each person served.

• Actively participates in team / departmental meetings, admission assessments, team conferences, family meetings, etc., and, as requested, serves as a member of the Trans-Disciplinary Team (TDT) process in conjunction with the Individual Program Plan (IPP).
• Provides crisis intervention, as needed, through de-escalation techniques, staff support, and assistance. Follows state-approved emergency procedures and utilizes Bancroft-approved crisis intervention techniques at all times.
• Ensures the site operates in accordance with the organization's quality standards for safety, security, and cleanliness, as well as applicable state licensing and accreditation standards.
• Coordinates transportation needs, as applicable, of assigned persons served in accordance with IPP and dependent upon specific Program needs.
• May perform job responsibilities of Program Associate, as needed.
• Dependent upon specific Program requirements, follows medical guidelines to administer medication as scheduled or as needed to persons served in strict accordance with each IPP.
• Maintains an awareness of current and changing trends, techniques, methods, and research in the field of cognitive rehabilitation treatments by attending learning workshops and professional seminars, reading journals, attending in-service workshops, external conferences in area of specialty / clinical discipline, etc.
• Prepares for, and promptly responds to, emergency situations to ensure the safety and security of the Program site and persons served at all times;

e.g., participates in fire drills, emergency evacuations, etc. Notifies proper authority in the event of a valid emergency

• Serves as an advocate on behalf of assigned persons served in a variety of situations.
• As required by specific Program needs, assists assigned persons served with vocational / employment activities.
• Remains flexible and adaptable in work schedules and work assignments as defined by program needs.
• Abides by the Bancroft Code of Ethics, Mission Statement, and Vision Statement in promoting ethical behavior, establishing relationships and providing guidance in decision-making situations.
• Remains current with required training certifications, meets state-regulated licensing and regulatory accreditations, and adheres to mandatory requirements.
• Maintains effective verbal and written communications with colleagues, those served, and their family members and / or guardians when applicable.
• Willingly and effectively cooperates with Bancroft, The Department of Human Services, The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and other licensing or state agency or local municipalities in any inspections and investigations, upon request.
• Maintains a safe and respectful environment, free of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; does not allow weapons, threats, bullying or intimidation.
• Reports any violations to the appropriate individual as soon as the incident occurs.
• Maintains levels of supervision as defined in behavior plans; e.g., Individual Program Plan (IPP), Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP), Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Service Plan (ISP), etc., when applicable.
• Demonstrates Bancroft's core values in the performance of position responsibilities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, or a related preferred OR High School Diploma and five years' experience working with neurologically-impaired individuals.

Must meet the certification criteria as defined by the Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation and obtain Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) certification within 1 year of hire.

EEO Statement

Bancroft stands strong against racism and hate of all kinds and supports actions leading to respect, equality, fairness and peace.

We advocate for and embrace an inclusive and just world. One world. For everyone. We work with heart, respect and collaboration.

We are communicators, listeners, problem solvers, partners and collaborators. Bring your authentic self to our team.

Bancroft is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and supports diversity, equity and inclusion in its hiring and employment practices, so that every team member can feel a true sense of belonging, and maximize their unique potential.

To this end, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Last updated : 2024-06-10