Program Therapist

The Center for Development and Disability (CDD), established in 1990, is New Mexico's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service. These centers, authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, build the capacities of states and communities to respond to the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

 The Autism Programs at the CDD is a large, multi-faceted program with multiple funding streams and projects that support individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families to live the life of their choosing. This is accomplished through clinical evaluation/diagnosis, extensive community training, parent mediated training, consultations and technical assistance.

 Mental health issues in this population are becoming more prevalent; our state systems and providers often struggle with the needs of individuals with ASD/IDD and mental health challenges.  NM START, an evidenced informed crisis intervention and prevention model service is expanding its efforts to respond to individuals who experience crisis. The NM START program provides systemic consultation that is evidenced informed, person centered and solutions focused. This dynamic program is recruiting several Program Therapists to provide START therapeutic coaching services to individuals enrolled in our program.

 START Therapeutic Coaching (STC) is provided in both planned and emergency capacity and in a variety of settings with the goal of identifying strategies to prevent de-escalation and improve quality of life. STC works specifically with caregivers to empower them to support the participant in their environment in several ways which may include modeling and practice as well as trouble-shooting.

 The successful candidate will have an interest in the population as well as experience working with persons with ASD/IDD and mental health needs. All training will be provided within the program; the successful candidate will have access to all trainings developed by the National Center for START Services and will be enrolled in the Therapeutic Coaching Training Group.

 For more great jobs within CDD check out our Career Opportunity site   https://cdd.health.unm.edu/jobs/

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

**Be sure to address our preferred qualifications listed below in your cover letter**

Experience in the area of ASD/IDD as a provider, clinician or others.

Bachelor's degree preferred in social work, psychology, counseling, or other human services field.

Knowledge of New Mexico developmental disabilities, mental health and behavioral health systems and proven capacity to work within these complex systems.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.