GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Provides in home behavioral management, therapeutic and developmental support for the parenting of children and youth with complex needs. Provides a treatment approach that is responsive to crisis and imminent placement disruptions. Assist in integrating evidence-based models to support and promote trauma recovery. Provide services that will help the childyouth and caregivers develop and enhance parenting capacity and promote well-being, perceived self-efficacy and coping skills. For youth that have been sexually exploited and trafficked, provide support, treatment, and understanding in a manner that maximizes the youth’s chances for permanency and provides them with the skills necessary to live healthy, productive, and self-sufficient adult lives.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:
- Approach work with a positive attitude, with an ethic of service and integrity rooted in the values, mission, vision, and philosophy of Lutheran Social Services of NY (LSSNY).
- Understand that the focus of all LSSNY’s work is for the betterment of those LSSNY serves.
- Comply willingly with all organizational policies and procedures and supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies.
- Contribute to organizational excellence at the individual, team, department, divisional, and agency wide levels.
- Exhibit integrity, professionalism, and respect both in the workplace and in the communities we serve.
- Promotes an environment that recognizes, affirms, and respects people of every race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith.
- Communicates and works effectively with LSSNY team, foster parents, mental health professionals, schools, and others involved with the child to gather information and assess treatment/service needs.
- As part of a child’s Treatment Team, the Socio-therapist will work with the caregivers, Case Planning Unit, Coaches, Parent Advocates, and clinical providers to develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan within 30 days of the child’s admission.
- The Socio-therapist supports the clinical team in implementing and monitoring the plan of care for the youth on their caseload.
- 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. safety, behavioral, psychological and permanency needs.
- Works 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.
- Works side-by-side with the foster parent and birth parents to support and provide treatment and crisis intervention to the child in their care.
- Participates in inter-agency collaboration, interdisciplinary team meetings and neighborhood-based activities to identify and organize resources which benefit children and support families.
- 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.
- Attends all required training including Sanctuary and TRIPP (Trauma Responsive and Informed Parenting Program).
- Reinforce foster parent training.
- Counts and monitors medication and medication and lockbox compliance (*for residential programs).
- Support and supervise family time between parents and children, siblings, and other significant resources. Assist with transportation as needed.
- Accompany and support children through various appointments including school, medical, and drug treatment, etc.
- Fulfill 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 assess progress and develop impact strategies.
- Adheres to LSSNY’s personnel policies.
- Performs other duties as needed.
- Maintain detailed client records. Accurately document case activity in Connections within 48 business hours of the event.
- Maintain all agency/funder reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and Federal rules and regulations.
SUPERVISES:
- N/A
EDUCATION:
- LMHC or LCSW/LMSW preferred. Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.
EXPERIENCE:
- One year of experience, preferably in the clinical social service arena.
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ability to work collaboratively with people from all walks of life.
- A facility for and an interest in working with foster care youth.
- Crisis intervention skills.
- Good assessment skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to facilitate training.
- Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong writing skills.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
- Ability to work independently and in a team/partnership environment.
- Understanding of child welfare issues and practices.
- Knowledge of OCFS Connections system a plus.
- Experience and facility with Microsoft Office Applications.