Therapeutic Specialist Teens Program

About Us If you’re looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you. Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay. We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference. Job Type Full‑time What we offer Salary: $43,000-$45,000 Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it. Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans. PTO is offered to full‑time and part‑time employees. 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually. Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match. $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries. Employee Assistance Program Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates. Tuition reimbursement program Training and career development. Discounted membership at the YMCA. Job Functions Acts as primary therapeutic support using trauma‑informed care to middle school and high school‑aged children in our onsite housing programs and affordable housing programs. Therapeutic Specialists may come from a variety of disciplines, including mental health, recreational therapy, and child life. The Therapeutic Specialist will work as part of a team by designing and facilitating group activities as therapeutic interventions, which impact socio‑emotional growth and development, and mental well‑being of children participating in the Teens Program. Tasks include assessment, intervention planning, intervention implementation, case reviews of progress, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Essential Responsibilities Assess students’ needs through observations, school and medical records, tests, and consulting with other professionals, teachers, families, and teens. Create treatment plans and programs that meet teens’ needs and interests using a Trauma‑Informed Care approach. Plan and implement interventions to mitigate the effects of trauma. Complete assessments and documentation in timely manner including but not limited to Biopsychosocial, progress notes and summary of service notes. Gather and analyze data to ensure accuracy. Use evidence‑based models such as Conscious Discipline, CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Develop and implement therapeutic goals and intervention for a case load of 2‑3 children. Engage students in therapeutic activities using a variety of modalities, including social circles, arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, team activities, and field trips. Facilitate opportunities for teens to learn about healthy ways to cope with anxiety, stressors, and depression. Facilitate opportunities for teens to learn social skills and interpersonal skills to increase communication skills and build self‑confidence. Facilitate opportunities for teens to increase self‑awareness. Facilitate opportunities for teens to learn and practice healthy lifestyles. Record and analyze each teens’ progress consistently. Evaluate interventions for effectiveness. Collect and report ongoing data. Participate in staff and group meetings as well as family team conferencing. Participate in regular team meetings to develop plans for teens and monitor progress. Organize, plan, lead, and facilitate special events related to Teens Program, as assigned. Collaborate with other Metropolitan Ministries’ programs, community partners and other disciplines to provide therapeutic opportunities. Keep confidential records according to the Ethical Boundaries for Those That Serve and maintain professional boundaries. Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure that client/program needs are being met. Participate in Metropolitan Ministries’ holiday efforts, Bridge Builders and other fund‑raising events when needed. Provide tours of the facilities and speak on behalf of Metropolitan Ministries as needed. Support the team and supervisor in other tasks as assigned. Meet personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of the team and organizational targets/goals as stated in the annual plan. Requirements Education and Experience A minimum of a B.S. degree in therapeutic recreation, child/human/family development (with child life concentration or minor), or mental health field. Master’s degree in related field is desirable. Minimum of three years of experience in the field of recreation therapy or related field for bachelor’s level candidates. Direct experience working with children and parents required. Bi‑lingual preferred. National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) or Child Life Certification preferred. Skills Requirements Must be able to work effectively with teens and their families, representing, and communicating their status and progress to small groups and professionals, Metropolitan Ministries’ service providers, and applicable and related medical, and social service providers in the surrounding community. Must be able to work within a multi‑disciplinary team framework; strong interpersonal and supervisory skills of children; strong oral and written communications skills; strong group leadership and facilitation skills; dependability; demonstrates maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients served; ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner; willing to work with minimal supervision, yet be able to accept direction; well organized and detail oriented. Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Access, Word and Excel required. Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with poor and homeless families and individuals. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with low socio‑economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Requires understanding of Social Determinants of Health, ACES, and Trauma‑Informed Care approach. Knowledge of community resources available to homeless population. Must demonstrate maturity and sensitivity to issues of faith, culture, and other sources of diversity. Must be willing to seek continuing education related to youth mental health, trauma, and homeless population. Physical Requirements Hearing and speaking ability, which allows for effective oral communication; physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress. Other Must pass applicable pre‑employment screening and demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must be available to work during after school hours, during school hours for school breaks, and occasional weekends, as required. Must pass required background pre‑employment screening. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to transport self and clients when necessary. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances. Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. 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