Socio-Therapist/Case Associate

New Alternatives for Children, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) in midtown Manhattan seeks a Socio-Therapist/Case Associate to support families and youth in foster care within the Specialized Family Foster Care program. The dual role combines behavioral support and case coordination under supervision.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (BSW preferred); experience in child welfare is advantageous, with strong communication and bilingual Spanish a plus. Full-time role in NYC with DEIB commitment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; BSW preferred.
• Prior experience working with families in a child welfare setting is preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and engagement skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a flexible caseload of youth, coordinating with the interdisciplinary team to develop behavioral plans and connect youth with community resources.
• Advocates for youth at school in collaboration with NAC's partners and medical/mental health staff.
• Conducts in-person contacts with child and foster parent in home and community; participates in family time and conferences.
• Maintains accurate records and enters data into the Connections state system; assists with casework as needed.

Skills

Child welfare experience

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree

BSW preferred

Job description

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC), located in midtown Manhattan, is an award-winning not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving children and families with medical complexities, chronic illnesses, and disabilities throughout the five boroughs. To assist in achieving this mission, NAC is seeking a staff member to perform the duties of the dual position of Socio-Therapist/Case Associate.

The team in the foster care department works with children, families and foster families to ensure safety, permanency and well-being for youth in foster care. The Socio-Therapist/Case Associate is an essential member of the foster care team who under the supervision of the Supervisor will provide support to families and youth in this dual role in correspondence to program needs.

• Title of Position: Socio-Therapist/Case Associate
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $44,000 - $48,000
• Department/Program: Specialized Family Foster Care

Responsibilities

Socio-Therapist

• Maintains a flexible case load of youth, depending on program needs, who require a dedicated staff to provide targeted behavioral support; develops with the interdisciplinary team a behavioral plan and/or contract to optimize youth functioning and mental health in the family and community; connects youth with community resources and extracurricular, summer, and recreational activities.
• Advocates for the youth at school in collaboration with NAC's Pathways, Champions for Children's Health and medical and mental health staff.
• Conducts in-person contact with the child and foster parent in the home and in the community; participates in family time at the office and the community.
• Participates in all family team and interdisciplinary conferences.
• Maintains accurate and timely record keeping with entry into the Connections state system.
• Assists with casework activities as needed.

Case Associate

• Supervises virtual and in-person visits at the office and in the community, acting as a visiting coach; assists in transporting youth to visits and appointments as needed.
• Conduct foster home visits, visits to birth homes and other field visits as needed.
• Attends meetings and conferences as needed.
• Assist with data collection for adoption home studies.
• Maintains accurate and timely record keeping with entry into the Connections state system.
• Assists with casework activities as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree; BSW preferred

Required Skills

• Prior experience working with families in a child welfare setting preferred
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and engagement skills
• Ability to multi-task and work independently
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred

Equal Opportunity Statement

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. was founded on the principle of inclusion. We strive to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace at all levels. It is not enough to serve; we must strive to dismantle oppressive policies and practices. Please read our full DEIB Statement here.

Impact

Every day, NAC's team of social workers, nurses, doctors, therapists, education specialists, van drivers, and so many more, make a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. Watch our video below to meet the youth and families whose lives have been changed because of NAC's work.