Therapeutic Specialist

Join to apply for the Therapeutic Specialist role at Metropolitan Ministries

• If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer‑fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

• Salary: $44,000
• Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.
• Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.
• PTO is offered to full‑time and part‑time employees.
• 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.
• $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Training and career development.
• Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Participates in CREATE therapeutic programming within the therapeutic after school environment serving homeless children and families in our onsite housing programs. Therapeutic Specialists may come from a variety of disciplines, including mental health, recreational therapy, and child life. The Therapeutic Specialist will work as part of a team to design and facilitate group activities as therapeutic interventions, which impact socioemotional growth and development for children participating in the CREATE program.

This position is intended to focus on the therapeutic needs of students in the school age programs using all forms of therapeutic recreation. Tasks includes assessment, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and follow‑up as well as promoting parent‑child/family engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration. General schedule is from 9:30 am–6:00 pm Monday through Friday, with occasional evening flexibility 11:30 am–8:00 pm to meet program and family needs.

Collect ongoing data and track program outcomes and success.

• Assess students’ needs through observations, school and medical records, tests, and consulting with other professionals, teachers, families, and students
• Create treatment plans and programs that meet students’ needs and interests using a Trauma‑Informed Care approach
• Plan and implement interventions to mitigate the effects of trauma
• Engage students in therapeutic activities using a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips
• Facilitate opportunities for students to learn healthy ways to express and manage emotions
• Facilitate opportunities for students to learn about healthy ways to cope with anxiety, stressors, and depression
• Facilitate opportunities for students learn social skills and interpersonal skills to increase communication skills and build self‑confidence
• Record and analyze a student’s progress
• Evaluate interventions for effectiveness
• Provide training and support to staff teams and to parents to increase effectiveness of interventions
• Collect and report ongoing data
• Collaborate with community partners and other disciplines to provide intervention programs
• Work collaboratively with staff to implement social‑emotional (PATHS and Second Steps) curriculums within peer groups
• Design, plan, and facilitate opportunities to increase parent involvement for families
• Participate in regular team meetings to develop plans for students and monitor progress
• Complete training / in‑service requirements for Childcare Licensing
• Keep confidential records according to the Ethical Boundaries for Those That Serve. Maintain professional boundaries
• Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure that client/program needs are being met
• Participate in Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday efforts, Bridge Builders and other fund‑raising events when…