Socio Therapist Intern

Summary Job Description:

The Socio Therapy Intern supports the Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) team in providing services to children and families in foster care. Under close supervision, the intern assists with foster home support, youth skill development, and service coordination activities.

This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in foster care case practice, child development, trauma-informed care, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a nonprofit human services setting.

About Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a human services nonprofit supporting the well-being of children, youth, families, and individuals across New York City and Long Island since 1929. Our staff of more than 500 builds well-being by providing prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and medical and mental health services.'

Principle Responsibilities

• Shadow Socio Therapists and Caseworkers during foster home visits (as appropriate)
• Assist in monitoring children’s adjustment to foster placements
• Support foster parents by reinforcing strategies developed by clinical staff
• Observe and contribute to behavior support planning under supervision
• Assist with documentation and progress notes under supervisory review
• Participate in treatment team meetings and case consultations
• Support communication efforts with schools and service providers
• Assist with independent living skill activities for youth (age 14+)
• Participate in recreational or program-based activities within the EFFC program
• Attend supervision sessions and complete assigned professional development activities
• Interns will not independently manage caseloads, provide sole supervision, share 24-hour coverage, or be solely responsible for crisis intervention.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the intern will:

• Gain exposure to therapeutic milieu models within residential treatment settings.
• Observe and support group-based interventions and structured therapeutic activities.
• Develop an understanding of trauma-informed and behaviorally informed treatment approaches.
• Strengthen skills in professional documentation and case collaboration.
• Learn appropriate boundaries and ethical considerations in therapeutic environments.
• Identify next steps toward careers in clinical social work, counseling, or residential treatment.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Interest in foster care, child welfare, or clinical social services

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship, volunteer, or work experience with children or families
• Interest in pursuing a career in child welfare or social work

Travel Requirements

This internship is unpaid and credit-bearing, in accordance with each participating school’s academic requirements.

This internship is based in Brooklyn, NY and may require supervised travel throughout New York City’s five boroughs. A valid NYS driver’s license is preferred but not required if public transportation is utilized.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Internship Structure and Supervision: 
This position is a structured educational internship. Interns are not assigned independent caseloads, are not counted toward staff-to-youth ratios, and do not provide independent clinical, supervisory, or crisis intervention services. All activities are conducted under the supervision of designated staff in accordance with agency policy and regulatory requirements.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.

Accessibility

Some job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may be designed to protect the safety and health of the employee, their fellow employees and the individuals being served and may therefore exclude some individuals.