Sociotherapist

Location: Westchester County, NY

Schedule: 21 Hours Per Week (2 Weekdays 12:30pm-7:30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm)

Language Requirement: Bilingual – English/Spanish

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.

About Us:

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.

Summary of Socio Therapist: 

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. 

Essential Functions:

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Other Requirements

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Westchester County
• Availability to work evening and Saturday hours

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand for extended periods, walk, crouch, and climb stairs
• Physical capacity to safely manage children in community settings and participate in movement-based activities

Benefits

Why Work at WIHD?

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.