Sociotherapist

Position Summary: The Sociotherapist (ST) is in the foster home on a weekly basis to work with the foster parent and the youth. The goal of the ST is to ensure that placements are stable and that the young person and their foster parent are able to work together towards case objectives. The incumbent will understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with the functions of the position.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth and families in all that we do.

We seek equity and transformation in our communities: We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth and families.

We strive for excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

We are powered by collaboration: Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.

We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work as a member of a team in the innovative Enhanced Family Foster Care program.
Responsible for providing Behavior Modification Training and Supportive Counseling to foster parents caring for youth with special needs.
Attend Treatment Team Conferences and Family Team Meetings regarding youth’s needs and services.
Assist with monitoring family visits and assisting with the transportation of youth.
Facilitate and Support Youth’s attainment of Permanency Goals.
Maintain daily progress notes and other written materials.
Conduct weekly home visits.
Provide counseling and mediation to youth and foster parents.
Provide crisis intervention services.
Share rotating 24-hour on-call responsibility.
Participate in supervision, in-service training, and team meetings.
Recertification, Erates, SPR letters.
Assisting with modeling visits and training of New Socio-Therapist.
ICPC Liaison for the Manhattan site.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; preferably in social work or a related field.
NYS Valid Driver’s License.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Key Competencies:

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teens or children with special needs.
Knowledge of the Foster Care/Adoption field. Excellent oral, writing, and organizational skills.
Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Basic computer literacy.
Experience in working with a team.