Sociotherapist

Westchester Institute for Human Development•Valhalla, NY

3h•$32 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) is seeking a compassionate and skilled bilingual recreational therapist / socio therapist to work part time 3 days per week with children and families in the child welfare system to improve self-esteem, skills, and satisfaction for children while promoting healthy family functioning and permanency. Child Welfare Services at WIHD provides an array of services, supports and advocacy for children and families involved with the child welfare system in Westchester County. These services include clinical assessments of children and their birth parents, pediatric medical care, educational coordination and advocacy, and community-based parent training services for parents with intellectual disabilities and services for families reunifying from foster care or at risk for foster care placement.

Requirements

Knowledge of therapeutic recreational needs of children
1–2 years of experience working with children with significant needs
Experience with community-based work
Bachelor’s degree in human behavioral science with specialized instruction in development of human behavior and child development
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Westchester County
Availability to work evening and Saturday hours

Responsibilities

Plan, provide, and participate in therapeutic recreational activities and outings for and with children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Conduct group drop-in activities in the community and/or virtually encourage prosocial interests and talents.
Coordinate closely with families and others working with the child to plan recreational activities that fit the child’s treatment and social needs and meet the family’s ability to participate.
Help families to identify no cost and low-cost recreational resources in their communities that fit their and their child’s needs.
Encourage and support independent living skills for older youth.
Plan, conduct, and actively participate in therapeutic recreational, social, and physical activities with families and children at risk of foster care placement and/or replacement; participate in activities with older youth that support independent living skills.
Provide in-home and community-based support and services for families involved with the child welfare system, including group-based activities and identifying no cost/low-cost resources; assist in creating and maintaining a resource guide of community-based recreational resources.
Participate in meetings and collaborate with program staff and others to consult on children’s therapeutic needs and family services.
Make telephone contacts to arrange appointments, support planning (including budgeting), and complete appropriate documentation of activities.
Assist with practical tasks, including dropping off supplies and/or transporting families to appointments.
Take responsibility for safe driving with children and for the maintenance of agency vehicles.