Therapeutic Specialist

Description : About Us :

• If youre 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 :

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 :

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. Masters degree in related field is desirable. Minimum of three years of experience in the fields of recreation therapy or related field for bachelors 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 drivers 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 813-209-1083 or via email at Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org

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