**This position is for our brand new Columbia, Maryland center which is expected to open in the winter of 2023! If offered the position, candidates may have a delayed start and must be willing to train with our current staff at our Greenspring or Odenton location until Columbia opens.

The Therapy Assistant (Therapeutic Assistant) works with young children with autism and/or related social-language delays in small group speech therapy alongside a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Treatment sessions focus on communication, social, emotional, and self-regulatory development. Sessions also include push-in occupational therapy services to work on fine and gross motor skills as well as sensory integration and regulation.

Group sizes range from three to five children under the age of six and meet between 3-4 times per week for ninety minutes to two and a half hour sessions. All children have individualized treatment plans and are thoughtfully placed in groups with children working on similar skills. An ability to build relationships and work consistently with many of the same children over a period of time is emphasized. Parental involvement is encouraged and supported through guided observations and regular observation days.

• Carry out instructional programs as outlined by Speech-Language Pathologist
• Effectively implement behavior management strategies according to trained procedures.
• Assist in data management functions to include data collection and data entry.
• Assist in the development of therapeutic materials.
• Prepare and lead specified activities during groups.
• Provide for basic care needs of children during groups.
• Clean, organize, and maintain the classroom.
• Support planning, preparation and staffing for supplemental programming
• Complete medical, behavioral, and other in-service training as needed.

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• College equivalent coursework in Communication Disorders, Education, or related field preferred.

• Experience providing child care in an approved setting preferred.
• Experience as a paraprofessional in a classroom or with special needs population desirable.

Kennedy Krieger Institute offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, tuition reimbursement, free parking and child care subsidies! In addition, we offer rich professional development opportunities.

We require full COVID vaccination or documentation of medical and/or religious exemption(s) approval for this job as we are a healthcare institution committed to putting health and safety first for our patients, students, employees, and the communities we serve.

EOE/M/F/D/V