Sociotherapist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Socio-therapist
DEPARTMENT:
Enhanced Family Foster Care

LOCATION:

Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island
STATUS:
Full time Non-Exempt

The socio‑therapist 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.

• Complete initial treatment and behavioral plan within 30 days of assignment.
• Adhering to SCO socio‑therapist contact policies, 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 within 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 birth parent to support and provide treatment and crisis intervention to the child in their care.
• Attend 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 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.
• Accompany and support 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.
• Meet with Supervisor one‑on‑one on a consistent basis to discuss safety and permanency issues of caseload.
• Communicate 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.
• Adhere to SCO’s personnel policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• 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…