The posting
BACKGROUND
The Hans Foundation (THF), established in 2009, is a Public Charitable Trust that works towards creating an equitable society to enhance quality of life for all through the empowerment of marginalized and underprivileged communities in India. The Hans Foundation works for the Health and Wellbeing of remote and under-served groups, with an additional focus on children, persons with disabilities and women. THF also works for holistic Education and Livelihood development of our communities. Our Two-Fold Strategy involves identifying and working within Aspirational Districts and high poverty index in the North, North-East and East regions within specific states, as well as catering to lower-income and migratory populations in cities, through urban programs.
Over its 15 years of existence, THF has reached more than 35 million beneficiaries through its programs. THF works with communities through direct implementation of projects on the ground in addition to providing local management and monitoring support to not-for-profit organisations in India funded through THF USA and RIST.
Background of the Project
Project: Early Childhood Development & Neurorehabilitation Centre
(A novel multidisciplinary initiative with collaboration of The Hans Foundation & Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research for Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Neurology Division, Department of Paediatrics, AIIMS, Bathinda)
The early the better” believing in this approach, The Hans Foundation has been supporting a number of projects to facilitate the early years of development. It provides supportive services to children and adult with disabilities who more often lack access to the comprehensive and intensified services in those magical years of development and also needed across the lifespan. This approach dramatically improves individual’s chances to reach their full potential and functioning, have better quality of life and take up their right place in the society as adults. The Hans Foundation is creating more such facilities and services in the country to reach the last mile of targeted community while aiming to achieve the goal “People with disability are enjoying a meaningful life in the inclusive society with high humanistic values”.
Due to the lack of mainstream supportive services, accessible spaces, and positive attitudes, persons with disabilities face manifold challenges and are often forced to live within restricted social and physical environments. On average, persons with disabilities (PwDs) are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes than persons without disabilities. Children are most vulnerable during the first few days after birth. Early childhood spans several distinct phases of a child's life, from conception to eight years of age, and of these, the first thousand days are considered the critical period for brain growth. Currently, an estimated 45% of young children in India are at risk of poor development. The project will establish an early intervention and neuro-rehabilitation facility – a novel multidisciplinary initiative undertaken in collaboration with The Hans Foundation and the Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research for Childhood Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, Bathinda.
GENERAL
- Location of Job: Bathinda
- Type of Employment: Contractual (On renewal Basis)
- No. of Positions: 1
- Reporting to: Project Manager
- Working days & Timings: Monday - Saturday
JOB PURPOSE
Hans Child Development Centre provides multidisciplinary services to children with special needs, including Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Speech & Language Impairment, Locomotor Disabilities, Down Syndrome, ADHD, and other developmental disabilities.
The Occupational Therapist will be responsible for assessing and enhancing children’s functional abilities related to fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, coordination, and daily living activities. The therapist will develop and implement individualized therapy programs that promote independence, school readiness, and participation in everyday activities, while working closely with parents and a multidisciplinary team.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Diagnostic Audiology Services
- Perform detailed case history taking and audiological assessment.
- Conduct the following evaluations :Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) Speech Audiometry Special Tests (IP or other required tests) Immittance Evaluation / Tympanometry Acoustic Reflex Testing OAE Screening and Diagnostic Testing Electrophysiological Evaluations
- Interpret audiological findings and prepare detailed clinical reports
2. Hearing Aid Services
- Perform hearing aid candidacy evaluation and device selection.
- Conduct hearing aid trials, fitting, and programming.
- Perform: Fine tuning Troubleshooting Earmold assessment
- Counsel patients and caregivers regarding: Hearing aid usage Care and maintenance Realistic expectations Communication strategies Coordinate follow-up appointments and outcome monitoring
3. Counselling & Rehabilitation
- Provide pre- and post-diagnostic counselling.
- Educate patients and families regarding hearing loss, rehabilitation options, and auditory management.
- Guide patients regarding hearing conservation and communication strategies.
- Participate in multidisciplinary management and provide referrals whenever necessary.
4. Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate patient records and test reports.
- Ensure proper calibration and functioning of equipment.
- Prepare referral notes and follow-up documentation.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical clinical practices.
- Maintain stock entry and inventory records.
5. Equipment Handling
Ability to independently operate and maintain:
- Clinical Audiometer
- Impedance Audiometer
- BERA Equipment
- OAE Equipment
- Hearing Aid Programming Software and Accessories
6. Community Awareness Programs (CAP)
- Conduct Community Awareness Programs on hearing loss, speech and language delays, and early identification of hearing impairment.
- Educate parents, caregivers, teachers, and community workers about early signs of hearing and speech disorders.
- Promote awareness regarding newborn hearing screening and early intervention services.
- Support disability awareness initiatives and inclusion programs conducted by HCDC.
- Coordinate with community stakeholders for referrals and service linkage.
- Maintain records and reports of CAP activities conducted.
- Participate in screening camps and outreach activities organized by the project.
7. Other Indicative Requirements
- Educational Qualifications :Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (ASLP) from a recognized institution.
- Functional Skill : Minimum 2 years of experience working in conducting various hearing tests and fitting hearing aids (freshers with strong skills may also be considered).
- Skills & Competencies: Empathy, patience, and a friendly approach. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with children and families.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong documentation and observation skills
- Sensitivity and respect for children with disabilities and their families.
THF is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities and those from economically and socially excluded communities with the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for positions. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of caste, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other such matter.
