A psychologist working in early intervention centres typically plays a crucial role in assessing, diagnosing, and providing therapeutic interventions for young children who may be experiencing developmental delays, behavioural challenges, or emotional difficulties. Their job profile may include:
Assessment and Evaluation: Conducting comprehensive psychological assessments to identify developmental, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural needs of children to prepare therapy plans.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to formulate diagnoses and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique strengths and challenges.
Intervention and Therapy: Providing evidence-based interventions, such as play therapy, behavioural therapy, social skills training, cognitive training and parent-child interaction therapy, to support children's development and address their specific needs.
Family Support and Education: Offering guidance, counselling, and psychoeducation to parents and caregivers on how to support their child's development, manage challenging behaviours, and promote positive parent-child relationships.
Consultation and Collaboration: Working closely with special educators, paediatricians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals to coordinate services and ensure holistic support for children and families.
Program Development and Evaluation: Contributing to the design, implementation, and evaluation of early intervention programs aimed at improving outcomes for young children and their families.
Documentation and recording of assessment and treatments according to in house policies and making quarterly based evaluation reports to monitor them.
Coordinate with child protection workers, legal support and child protection office.
Organize educational programs to inform adolescents or teenagers about the repercussions of high-risk behaviours and ways to adjust to them.
- Using various schools of psychology to teach soft and life skills.
Psychologists play an important role in sex education.
Address issues such as depression, bullying, various mental health issues, learning difficulties and family issues related to children by providing appropriate intervention.
Advocacy and Community Outreach: Advocating for the needs of young children with developmental concerns and raising awareness about the importance of early intervention services within the community. This include
1. Conduct screening camp for the public
2. Online support group (Club) to help children with disabilities with the help of volunteers from various parts of Kerala
3. Public awareness programs for nearby institutions (shops, companies etc)
4. Tele – clinical service for public
5. Clinical interview of mental health experts to share in social medias
6. Provide sex education programs at schools with the help of medical experts
7. To conduct Q&A session for school and anganwadi teachers and parents
8. Mother-centred programs to improve mental health
9. Provide pre-marital counselling in collaboration with Panchayat offices
10. Sensitization programs for family members of children with disabilities
11. Spreading awareness about the importance of EIC and red flag signs of various child disorders and updates through medias
12. Mainstream school programs: Interactive sessions to enhance inclusive education system and primary training methods for children with disabilities
13. Job oriented training to empower and strengthen parents
14. Conduct seminars at schools.
Research
Surveys and pilot studies
Evidence based study on therapy strategies (social skills)
Studies on current training strategies (teaching and therapy) and its effectiveness.
Conduct research among specific disability
Studies on inclusive education program and challenges of mainstream school teachers
Circulate research study updates on child rehabilitation
Collection of research studies, books and materials related to child rehabilitation
Organize research groups, seminar, and other programs
Conduct conference
Others
- Conduct seminars, and workshops on relevant topics
Periodical fore gathering of psychologists
Workshops to enhance bonding and group work
Set up Psychology library
Resource material preparation
Programs for colleagues on mental health at workplace
