SOCIOTHERAPIST

JOB TITLE: Socio-therapist

DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care

FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The sociotherapist ensures that every child on their caseload has a behavior plan that addresses individualized behavioral strengths and challenges pertaining to the specific child.  The socio-therapist oversees the delivery of one-to-one services designed to strengthen participants’ and families abilities to function successfully in school and community settings, focusing on behaviors and intervention methods expected to support the child.

REPORTS TO: Socio-Therapist Supervisor

SUPERVISES: N/A

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conduct weekly face to face contact in the foster home with the child and foster parent consistent with the child’s therapeutic treatment goals.

· Work on individualized goals with the child which include but are not limited to social skills, coping techniques, impulse control, relationship building, self-esteem, and more.

· Engage the child in creative/recreational and socialization activities in the community, at least monthly.

· Work with the child around socialization issues, including accompanying the child to recreational and/or educational activities.

· Work with the foster parent, birth parent, and case planner to support the child’s treatment goals.

· Attends all required trainings. Socio-therapists should be aware of any significant changes in the field and be willing to attend outside trainings, seminars, and workshops, as needed for professional development.

· Intervene in crisis situations to help the child and family stabilize.

· Reinforce foster parent trainings.

· Count and monitor medication and medication compliance.

· If necessary, represent/assist Case Planner’s in court appearances.

· Supervise and oversee family visits between parents and children as needed.

· Attend all interdisciplinary team meetings and actively provide information regarding services being provided to the child.

· Fulfills duty of Mandated Reporter, which entails reporting any suspected instances of child abuse or maltreatment.

· Meets with Supervisor one-on-one on a consistent basis to discuss safety and permanency issues of caseload.

· Communicates and work effectively with SCO foster care support staff such as Youth Skills Coaches, Educational/Vocational Specialists, Parent Advocates, and medical and mental health staff and with NYC Children’s Services, outside medical and mental health centers, schools, consultants, other SCO programs, and all other relevant parties.

· Adheres to SCO’s personnel policies.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachler’s degree required, BSW or MSW preferred.

· Approved background clearances and fingerprinting are required.

· Excellent oral and written communication.

· Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel and Connections.

· Bilingual abilities are strongly encouraged.

· Valid NYS Driver License

In addition, all EFFC employees should possess the following characteristics:

· Be team players. Maintain a constructive, cooperative, and positive atmosphere.

· Demonstrate commitment to the Agency’s mission and values.

· Be able to empathize and provide quality services to children and families that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse.

· Be willing to work closely with children, families, and staff from different cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as from varying socio-economic statuses.

· Work competently, compassionately and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

· Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

· Be flexible in their ability to work extended hours or irregular schedules in response to the program’s needs. Be willing to travel between the various EFFC offices and other agency sites, as required.

· Demonstrate an ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of practitioner, as well as to intervene appropriately.

SCO Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities