Sociotherapist
Summary of Position: The Every Family Counts Program (EFC) at WIHD is seeking a positive and upbeat bilingual Socio-Therapist. The Socio-Therapist’s goal is to improve self-esteem, skills and satisfaction for children, promote healthy family functioning and permanency for children. To achieve this, they will plan, provide, and participate in therapeutic recreational activities and outings for and with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
EFC is part of the Child Welfare Services at WIHD which provides a range of clinical, trauma-informed interventions, assessments, supports, consultation, technical assistance and training to children, families and professionals involved with the child welfare system in Westchester County
Work Schedule/Location: WIHD is located in Valhalla, NY. The Socio-Therapist will work 5 days a week on a hybrid schedule (a minimum of 2 half days in the office). This position requires availability on Saturdays and Mondays; the three additional weekdays are flexible.
Key Activities:
- Plan, conduct, and actively participate in a variety of therapeutic recreational, social, and physical activities with families and their children who are at risk of foster care placement and/or replacement; Participate in activities alongside older youth that support independent living skills;
- Provide in-home and in community support and services for and with families with children involved with the child welfare system, which includes conducting group-based activities and helping families identify no-cost/low-cost resources; Assist in creating and maintaining a comprehensive resource guide of community based recreational resources;
- Participate in meetings and collaboration with program staff and others to consult about therapeutic needs for children and services for families;
- Telephone contacts to set up appointments, schedule planning (including budgeting) and appropriate documentation of activities;
- Assist with tasks including dropping off supplies and/or transporting families to appointments;
- Take responsibility for safe driving with children and full maintenance of agency vehicles.
Education, Knowledge, and Skill Requirements:
- Knowledge of: Therapeutic recreational needs of children;
- Kind and Length of Experience: 1-2 years’ experience working with children with significant needs
- Experience with: Community based work;
- Education Level: A bachelor's degree in human behavioral science with specialized instruction in development of human behavior and child development;
- Language Requirements: Bilingual (English/Spanish) required;
- Travel Requirements: Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel throughout Westchester County; some evening hours may be required; Saturday hours required;
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, crouch, and climb stairs. Must have physical capacity to safely manage child(ren) in community settings and participate/engage in a variety of interactive physically based activities, including sports or other movement-based interactions
WIHD and Child Welfare Services provide a positive working environment that promotes employee safety, growth and goal attainment. Our benefit package is generous and provides options to meet the needs of each employee. The range of Pay is $33 - $34 Per Hour commensurate with experience plus benefits to include Medical, Dental, FSA/HSA, PTO, STD, LTD, Life Insurance and Employer 403(b) Contribution.
WIHD is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values respect, fairness, and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, experience, and business needs. We comply with all applicable laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.
