MercyFirst
LOCATION:
Brooklyn, NY
REPORTS TO:
Casework Supervisor
DEPARTMENT:
Enhanced Family Foster Care
SCHEDULE:
Full Time / Hybrid
Hiring Incentive:
$1000
Agency Background MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life‑changing interventions. We provide community‑based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short‑term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families who overcome enormous obstacles, re‑imagine their futures and develop their full potential.
Program Background To meet the needs of New York City’s ever‑changing foster care population, Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) combines and replaces the previous separately contracted Family Foster Care and Treatment Family Foster Care programs. EFFC recognizes that all children in care have experienced some level of trauma, that their needs may change over time, and that their strengths must be supported so they can reach their full potential.
Position Summary A Socio‑Therapist works with children and youth who need a higher level of care than a regular foster home due to the child’s particular needs. The Socio‑Therapist provides additional supports to the foster parents and family and works in conjunction with a caseworker to help ensure that every child is making progress toward permanency.
Required Qualifications
Master’s in Social Work or related field
1 year of related work experience in serving children and/or families
Knowledge of and/or training in child development stages
Knowledge of and/or training in family dynamics
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
Ability to engage with clients
A valid driver’s license is strongly preferred
Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice
Responsibilities
Provide intensive support to children, therapeutic foster parents and birth families
Conduct regular casework sessions with each client in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates
Conduct regular home visits to therapeutic foster homes
Maintain regular contact with birth parents to provide support and problem solve
Maintain regular contact with foster parents and/or resource persons
Hold bi‑weekly individual Socio‑Therapist sessions with each client and family for their first 3 months in program
Document all contacts and case activities in the State system of Connections, Agency patient tracking systems
Complete documentation within established timeframes
Prepare all required documentation on each case including progress notes, psychosocial reports, permanency hearing notes, FASPs, etc.
Attend legal proceedings such as family court hearings, representing the agency and client’s best interests
Actively participate in staff training and supervision meetings
Arrange, monitor and document family and/or sibling visits
Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed
Benefits / Perks
A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
403B retirement benefits
Employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
Free employee assistance program through National EAP
Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
Trainings to support professional and personal development
Employee wellness program
Employee recognition activities
Salary Range $55,000 - $60,000 per year
Hiring Incentive
- $1,000 after 500 worked hours
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti‑racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We strive for a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy, genetic information or predisposition or genetic characteristic, unemployment status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, consumer credit history or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or city law. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment.
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Brooklyn, NY
REPORTS TO:
Casework Supervisor
DEPARTMENT:
Enhanced Family Foster Care
SCHEDULE:
Full Time / Hybrid
Hiring Incentive:
$1000
Agency Background MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life‑changing interventions. We provide community‑based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short‑term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families who overcome enormous obstacles, re‑imagine their futures and develop their full potential.
Program Background To meet the needs of New York City’s ever‑changing foster care population, Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) combines and replaces the previous separately contracted Family Foster Care and Treatment Family Foster Care programs. EFFC recognizes that all children in care have experienced some level of trauma, that their needs may change over time, and that their strengths must be supported so they can reach their full potential.
Position Summary A Socio‑Therapist works with children and youth who need a higher level of care than a regular foster home due to the child’s particular needs. The Socio‑Therapist provides additional supports to the foster parents and family and works in conjunction with a caseworker to help ensure that every child is making progress toward permanency.
Required Qualifications
Master’s in Social Work or related field
1 year of related work experience in serving children and/or families
Knowledge of and/or training in child development stages
Knowledge of and/or training in family dynamics
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
Ability to engage with clients
A valid driver’s license is strongly preferred
Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice
Responsibilities
Provide intensive support to children, therapeutic foster parents and birth families
Conduct regular casework sessions with each client in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates
Conduct regular home visits to therapeutic foster homes
Maintain regular contact with birth parents to provide support and problem solve
Maintain regular contact with foster parents and/or resource persons
Hold bi‑weekly individual Socio‑Therapist sessions with each client and family for their first 3 months in program
Document all contacts and case activities in the State system of Connections, Agency patient tracking systems
Complete documentation within established timeframes
Prepare all required documentation on each case including progress notes, psychosocial reports, permanency hearing notes, FASPs, etc.
Attend legal proceedings such as family court hearings, representing the agency and client’s best interests
Actively participate in staff training and supervision meetings
Arrange, monitor and document family and/or sibling visits
Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed
Benefits / Perks
A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
403B retirement benefits
Employer‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
Free employee assistance program through National EAP
Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
Trainings to support professional and personal development
Employee wellness program
Employee recognition activities
Salary Range $55,000 - $60,000 per year
Hiring Incentive
- $1,000 after 500 worked hours
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti‑racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We strive for a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy, genetic information or predisposition or genetic characteristic, unemployment status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, consumer credit history or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or city law. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment.
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