Job Abstract

Job ID

2024-2882

# of Openings

1

Category

Therapist

Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 101 programs in 138 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

Atlas seeks to enhance peace and prevent violence in New York City through transformative investments in families, community-based organizations, and in the systems meant to maintain accountability and public safety. We recognize the impact “systems” have on the lives of marginalized persons; keeping them in a cycle of involvement that impacts their freedom, self-efficacy, and dignity. Atlas is an investment in the agency and self-reliance of people affected by system involvement and in the community partners that serve them. Through our work, we are committed to building on people’s strength and agency, and transforming government from enforcement and coercion to avoiding harm and ensuring that we approach people with transparency about racial trauma, economic disparities, the impact of poverty on experiences and behaviors, and social justice as factors that contribute to their true and perceived success.

In our Senior Therapist position, we are looking for candidates with deep understanding of the FFT model and the ability to use model interventions in complex ways that match the need of the ATLAS population. Senior Therapist should have strong participant engagement, and the ability to keep team morale high by creating an atmosphere that enhances peer support. They should have a natural passion for social justice and the ability to see humanity and dignity in people from all walks of life.

• Master and work within the Functional Family Therapy philosophy and framework.
• Train staff to practice through a racial/social justice lens AND maintain model adherence.
• Supervise a minimum of three FFT therapists.
• Supervise in a way that supports freedom and meets nonnegotiable stakeholder requirements to maintain funding.
• Uplift FFT Therapist's identities and/or experiences as a valuable component of the therapeutic relationship.
• Participate in all FFT training and consultation activities, and program reviews.
• Carry a case load of at least 5 and provide the FFT mode to participants/families, including assessment, treatment planning, and intervention.
• Provide ongoing training and support to ensure adherence to the FFT model.
• Conduct regular case reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Conduct community outreach activities to engage families in need of FFT services.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families to encourage their participation in therapy.
• Address any barriers to treatment and work to ensure consistent participant involvement.
• Ensure compliance with all documentation and reporting requirements.
• Pursue continuous professional development to enhance therapeutic, managerial, and community engagement skills.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of families within the service system.
• Work to influence policy and practice changes that benefit families in therapy.
• Represent the ATLAS program in various forums and meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by the FFT Senior Supervisor.

Work Environment: Hybrid, the Senior Therapist will have access to all Rising Ground locations for meetings and supervision/team meetings.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full time position, 35 hours per week. Daily schedule and hours will fluctuate to meet the needs of the team and persons supported which include both during the day, afterschool/evening times and weekends on occasion.

Travel (if required): The Atlas Program provides services to families who reside in NYC. Travel requirements may include travel from Rising Ground sites and various locations. Work-related travel expenses will be reimbursed by agency.

• At least two years of practice in a supervisory role within FFT Atlas as a Therapist.
• The ideal candidate must have a passion and an active drive to dismantle current systems of oppression that have historically caused harm within NYC’s communities of color.
• Willingness to work with communities on a grassroots level in collaboration with mental health staff.
• Competency in serving LGBTQIA+ identities is strongly preferred.
• Ability to make connections between the experiences of our families and the impact of systemic oppression.
• Commitment to a strengths-based perspective and helping families identify and access their internal and external resources as a path to growth and change.
• Strong interpersonal skills; an ability to connect with, support, and understand others.
• Strong public speaking skills with the ability to inspire and activate the recipients of our message.
• Ability to set appropriate boundaries and limits for best practice.

Salary range: $76,000 -$80,000