Socio-therapist

Position Description

• JOB TITLE: Socio-therapist
• DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care
• LOCATION: Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island
• STATUS: Full time Non-Exempt

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.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial treatment and behavioral plan within 30 days of assignment.
• Adhering to SCO socio-therapist contact polices, Socio-therapists will conduct ongoing face-to-face contacts with the child on caseload assessing for safety and risk.
• Complete quarterly clothing checks or as needed.
• Complete ongoing documentation in Connections with 7 business days of the event date.
• 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.
• Make referrals for services for children and families, both internally and externally (i. e Health Homes Care Management, CFTSS, Preventive, and therapy).
• 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 side-by-side with the foster parent and birthparent to support and provide treatment and crisis intervention to the child in their care.
• Attends all required trainings including Core Case Planning and TRIPP.

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 and lockbox compliance.
• If necessary, represent/assist Case Planner’s in court appearances.
• Support and supervise family time between parents and children, as well as siblings and other significant resources. Provide transportation as needed.
• Accompanying and supporting children through various appointments including school, medical, and drug treatment, etc.
• 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 Case Planners, Academic and Life Skills Specialists, Parent Advocates, Case Aides, 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

• Bachelor’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 required

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