Sociotherapist

New Alternatives for Children, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. is seeking a Sociotherapist in the Foster Care and Adoption Department. This full-time position is based in New York City and offers an opportunity to work within a dynamic multidisciplinary team dedicated to at-risk children and families.

The ideal candidate will be strength-based, solution-oriented, and capable of building strong relationships with families. The role involves collaboration with school staff and community partners, and bilingual skills are a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, special education, or related human service field is required.
• Direct experience working with children/youth is required.
• Experience working with children with emotional challenges, intellectual disabilities and medical complexities is preferred.

Responsibilities

• W orks directly with the child to develop and strengthen social, emotional and academic skills; collaborates with the case planning team for foster care placement.
• Develops and implements a behavioral plan with input from school staff, child, foster parents and guardians to optimize functioning and mental health.
• Identifies community resources for the child as needed.
• Advocates for the child within school and coordinates with NAC's Education, Health Homes, and Mental Health Departments.
• Maintains accurate and timely record keeping.
• Facilitates and supervises visits between the child and family; assists with case work activities as needed.
• Maintains weekly contact (in person and virtual) with foster parent and child; two contacts per month in the foster home.
• Participates in family-team and interdisciplinary conferences.

Skills

Behavior analysis

Conflict resolution

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal communication

Spanish desirable

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology/social work/special education

Job description

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) 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 currently seeking a Sociotherapist to join its Foster Care and Adoption Department. The ideal candidate will be strength-based and solution-oriented and will welcome the opportunity to build strong relationships with at-risk families. It's an exciting opportunity to be a part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team of professionals at an innovative agency with internal Article 28 & 31 clinics, serving the needs of some of the most vulnerable children and families in New York City.

• Title of Position: Sociotherapist
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $45,000 - $49,000 per year ($1,000 differential for bilingual skills)
• Location: 825 7th Avenue, New York, NY, 10019
• Department/Program: Foster Care and Adoption

Responsibilities:

• Works directly with the child develop and strengthen their social, emotional and academic skills to promote special talents, interests, and recreational pursuits; collaborates with the case planning team in assisting child to adjust to foster care placement.
• Develops and implements a behavioral plan and /or contract with input from school staff, child, foster parent(s) and parent(s) to optimize the child's functioning and mental health in the family and community.
• Identifies community resources for the child as needed.
• Advocates for the child within school. This includes providing technical assistance to classroom staff using the ABC model. This also includes coordination with NAC's Education, Health Homes, and Mental Health Departments.
• Maintains accurate and timely record keeping.
• Facilitates and supervises visits between the child and family and assists with case work activities as needed.
• Maintains weekly contact (in person and virtual) with the foster parent and child. Two contacts per month must be in the foster home.
• Participates in all family-team and interdisciplinary conferences.

Required Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, special education, or related human service field is required.
• Direct experience working with children/youth is required.
• Experience working with children with emotional challenges, intellectual disabilities and medical complexities is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Effective behavior analysis, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills are valuable.
• Knowledge of health-related factors in working with medically complex children with psychiatric diagnoses is valuable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills are essential.
• Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

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.