Therapist

The purpose of a Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) Therapist in the Preventive Service Department is to provide the TST model for families with children (ages 5 and over) who are impacted by trauma and may be at risk for foster care placement. The Preventive Services Department delivers child‑welfare services using evidence‑based models to ensure families can provide safe environments for their children, keep children safe in their homes, and reduce the need for foster care. Prevention is an essential part of the child‑welfare continuum and requires a commitment to the wellbeing of all family members. All services are provided in the client’s home and community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Therapist works with families to assess their needs, develop intervention plans, and deliver therapy sessions tailored to each family’s unique circumstances. They collaborate with other service providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to care, monitor progress, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and work toward successful case closure. The Therapist helps families overcome challenges, strengthen relationships, and create a safe and nurturing environment within the child‑welfare system.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide child‑welfare preventive services exclusively or primarily within the client’s home and community. Learn and implement the TST model. Improve the caregiver–child relationship to restore the child’s functioning. Integrate case‑management services with an assigned evidence‑based model to help families meet basic needs, promote stability, and reduce stress. Collaborate and coordinate services with all providers working with the family to ensure needs are adequately addressed. Identify and evaluate risk. Conduct assessments, review referral information, identify and engage key participants, identify strengths and weaknesses, and collaboratively develop goals. Engage caregivers and other key participants in active, change‑oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming engagement barriers. Provide services exclusively or primarily within the client’s home and community. Adhere to the model’s fidelity – work within its structure regarding length of treatment, case contacts, interventions, supervision, and documentation. Participate in consultations with the model developer and audio/video‑record sessions for training and supervision purposes. Maintain clear and concise documentation in CNNX, including progress notes, Family Services Assessment Plans, and enter data into PROMIS; prepare reports to Probation if required. Work a hybrid schedule based on program needs. Be comfortable with group supervision and commit to professional development goals to improve adherence. Work a flexible schedule to meet family needs. Outreach to generate referrals for the program. Collaborate with a team to meet client, program, and division needs. Complete additional tasks as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Basic social work knowledge and understanding of stages of change. Ability to provide in‑home therapy and child‑welfare services. Ability to establish a strong therapeutic relationship with families. Understanding of family‑therapy principles to provide services. Understanding of early childhood development and related theories and models of practice. Strong assessment skills to evaluate dynamics and interactions within the family. Ability to implement strategies to improve family communication and support.

EDUCATIONAL / TRAINING REQUIRED

Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, or a related subject area.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED / LANGUAGE PREFERENCE

Experience working in the client’s home. Experience working in a Child Welfare, JJI, or Adolescent‑Focused program. Experience and/or knowledge of evidence‑based models, motivational interviewing, and solution‑focused work; experience working within diverse communities. Direct practice with families.

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

Knowledge of Microsoft Office. Knowledge and experience with the Connections system (preferred).

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL EFFORT

Must be able to travel within New York City carrying equipment such as a notebook, forms, laptop, mobile hotspot, and cell phone weighing up to approximately 10 pounds. Risks and hazards include traveling around New York City and interfacing with clients experiencing acute mental‑health crises or serious emotional disturbances. Position is currently hybrid but may become 100 % in‑person based on program need.

BENEFITS

Generous paid time off in addition to paid agency holidays and 15 sick days. Affordable and high‑quality medical, dental, and vision plans. Tuition assistance and educational loan forgiveness. Free continuing education opportunities. 403(b) retirement benefits and a pension. Flexible spending accounts for health and transportation. 24/7 accessible Employee Assistance Program. Life and disability insurance. Diversity, equity, and inclusion working groups (e.g., Confronting Structural Racism, Coalition Against Anti‑Semitism, LGBTQ Steering Committee).

JOB DETAILS

Salary: $61,440 USD Seniority level: Entry level Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Health Care Provider Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

WHO WE ARE

The Jewish Board delivers innovative, high‑quality, and compassionate mental‑health and social services to over 45,000 New Yorkers each year. We serve everyone from infants and families to children, teens, and adults, and we proudly employ people of all religions, races, cultural backgrounds, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams to support our mission and encourage candidates from historically marginalized backgrounds to apply.

MORE ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr THE JEWISH BOARD