Therapeutic Specialist - Metropolitan Ministries, Inc.

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.

What we offer:

• Salary: $43,888.00

• 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:

Participates in CREATE therapeutic programming within the therapeutic afterschool environment serving homeless children and families in our onsite 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 to design and facilitate group activities as therapeutic interventions, which impact socioemotional growth and development for children participating in the CREATE program. This position is intended to focus on the therapeutic needs of students in the school age programs using all forms of therapeutic recreation. Tasks includes assessment, intervention planning, intervention implementation, and follow-up as well as promoting parent-child/family engagement and multidisciplinary collaboration. General schedule is from 9:30 am-6:00 pm Monday through Friday, with occasional evening flexibility 11:30 am-8:00 pm to meet program and family needs. Collect ongoing data and track program outcomes and success.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Assess students' needs through observations, school and medical records, tests, and consulting with other professionals, teachers, families, and students
2. Create treatment plans and programs that meet students' needs and interests using a Trauma-Informed Care approach
3. Plan and implement interventions to mitigate the effects of trauma
4. Engage students in therapeutic activities using a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips
5. Facilitate opportunities for students to learn healthy ways express and manage emotions
6. Facilitate opportunities for students to learn about healthy ways to cope with anxiety, stressors, and depression
7. Facilitate opportunities for students learn social skills and interpersonal skills to increase communication skills and build self-confidence
8. Record and analyze a student's progress
9. Evaluate interventions for effectiveness
10. Provide training and support to staff teams and to parents to increase effectiveness of interventions
11. Collect and report ongoing data
12. Collaborate with community partners and other disciplines to provide intervention programs
13. Work collaboratively with staff to implement social emotional (PATHS and Second Steps) curriculums within peer groups
14. Design, plan, and facilitate opportunities to increase parent involvement for families
15. Participate in regular team meetings to develop plans for students and monitor progress
16. Complete training / in-service requirements for Childcare Licensing
17. Keep confidential records according to the Ethical Boundaries for Those That Serve. Maintain professional boundaries
18. Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure that client/program needs are being met
19. 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
20. Support the team and supervisor in other tasks as assigned
21. Meet personal goals and actively contribute to the achievement of the team and organizational targets/goals as stated in the annual plan

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 fields 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.

Skill Requirements:

Must be able to work effectively with children and parents, representing, and communicating their status and progress to small groups and professionals within a network comprised of the Hillsborough County School District, Metropolitan Ministries' service providers, and applicable and related medical 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. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework.

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 normal school hours and for evening meetings 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.

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. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at

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