Our Client, Dubai Autism Center (DAC) is a non profit organization with objectives of supporting children with Autism by developing their communication skills.
Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. It is estimated that 1 in 166 children and adults have autism today.
Children are taught in the language used at home to facilitate progress and continuity in all areas. The teachers are either well educated in the field of autism or trained thoroughly in this field including a proper behavioral management, which is crucial.
Considering the fact that DAC was launched as a resource center only in November of 2001, the school section was inaugurated in January of 2003. Much has been achieved through hard work and generous help by considerate people.
Focusing on the upcoming International Conference on Autism in March of 2005 and plans to build a new purpose center at the Al Garhood area, DAC will continue to improve the lifestyle of autistic adults and children and continue raising awareness within the community.
Our Client, are in need of a Speech Therapist.
Job Description:
Reporting to: Head Therapist and Director
Summary:
Provides comprehensive speech therapy and language development services to the child with Autism. Screens and evaluates children with autistic behaviour; develops and implements therapeutic speech and language development programs and services.
Minimum Requirement for Occupational Therapist:
Master's degree in Speech therapy/Language Pathology with experience in working with children with Autism.
Required Knowledge for Speech Therapist/ Pathologist:
Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of children with autism. Knowledge of child development and parenting theory and practice.
Speech-communication: Knowledge of human communication and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; and the assessment and treatment of speech-communication disorders.
Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the language that used by the center including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Technical: Knowledge of the use and maintenance of laboratory facilities and/or equipment. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and/or kinesiology. Knowledge of the nature and psychobiological basis of speech-language and/or auditory impairments.
Job Tasks for Speech Therapist/ Pathologist:
Provides assessment and diagnosis to children, recognizing speech and language disorder, oral motor disorders and hearing disorder, using relevant diagnostic tests and procedures
Provides full assessment report to the parents and others as required
Design appropriate program for treatment and intervention
Is able to use different computer soft ware and PECS as tool for treatment and training
Provides individual and group sessions to students on a scheduled basis
Provides group therapy in cooperation with therapists, specialised in other fields
Shows awareness of the role of Speech Therapy within a multidisciplinary approach.
Provides trainings to parents, when required
Provides workshops and lectures during seminars and conferences when so required.
Ensures the highest possible level of safety in all different settings through out the day until the students leave the premises
Ensures that reports and record keeping requirements are completed
Provides assessment information and written reports, in the format, required by the policy of the Center
Prepares professional reports based on assessment and observation data when requested from outside professionals, hospitals and alike.
Do referral for other specialists such as audiologist, ENT etc., to conduct holistic assessment for the child.
Provide the family with information, consultation, training and home programs.
Increase the society and family awareness about speech and language problems and how to deal with it and decrease it is effect.
Participate in standardization of the test that should be appropriate to the childs environment.
Conducting studies and researches in the specialty field.
Demonstrates cooperative partnerships and effective working relationship with the interdisciplinary team
Supports teachers with appropriate information for each child, based on the formal assessments
Keeps up-to-date with latest research and developments, particularly to matters relevant to the field of Speech and Autism
Keeps a record as well as video tapes, to be able to document the individual progress of the students, to the parents during the IEP review meetings
Maintains a regular dialogue with the educational team on the progress of children, and making sure that children causing concern are made known to the staff involved with the child as well as the head teacher
Attends meetings and contribute by sharing concerns, ideas and thoughts concerning the work at the center
Maintains confidentiality at all times
Keeps the integrity of the parents and children and discloses no information outside the center.
Participates in extra activities, limited to the purpose of the Center, from time to time
Represents the Center at public events as requested
Reports any problems or concerns that matters the student, the Center or its interests to the director
Supports and contributes to a friendly atmosphere that will benefit all staff.
Undertake any other duties according to the profession in agreement with the Director of the Center.
Skills Required for Speech Therapist/ Pathologist:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Abilities Required for Speech Therapist/ Pathologist:
Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
Records maintenance skills.
Ability to evaluate and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders.
Skill in the use of computers, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
Counseling and behavior management skills.
Ability to develop, implement, evaluate and modify therapeutic programs and services.
The job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities might change with the development of the Center the job description will be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
PLEASE USE REFERENCE NUMBER IN THE POSITION FIELD.
