MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded 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 overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures and develop their full potential.
Program Background
The children in our START with Hope program are in the U.S. as children whose parents/guardians are not physically with them. Many of our children have fled dangerous and violent situations in their own home countries, including but not limited to Central and South America. Most of our children have suffered devastating losses through trauma, violence, abandonment, poverty, substance abuses, or abuse. The children’s safety, nutritional, medical, emotional health and education are our top priorities.
Position Summary
Caseworkers provide coordinated services between our children and the individuals who are sponsoring them to stay in the U.S. Caseworkers screen sponsors for human trafficking concerns. We want our kids to be safe! Caseworkers maintain contact with the Office of Refugee and Resettlement on incident managements, children's status, family contact, etc. and prepare the documentation necessary for a safe discharge to the sponsor family. Prepare clear and accurate progress notes, need assessments, individual service plans and discharge documentation.
Required Qualifications
The office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) requires all candidates and employees to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route if working directly with children, including Varicella, MMK (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) DTaP or DTap, and Influenza.
Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
1 year of related experience working with children/youth and families
Bilingual (Spanish) required.
Valid driver’s license strongly preferred.
Must successfully complete all required training.
Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Responsibilities
Actively identify and assess sponsors for a safe and timely release.
Maintain regular contact with sponsor, and birth parents/legal guardians.
Conduct regular casework sessions with each client in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates
Document all contacts in appropriate computer systems within established timeframes.
Prepare all required reunification documentation on each case which includes, but is not limited to reunification applications, scheduling of background checks, and release requests.
Actively participate in staff training and supervision meetings.
Arrange, monitor, and document visits with sponsors, advocates, or other entities.
Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed.
Attend daily meetings and provide case updates to team members.
Attend treatment team meetings with clinical and case manager supervisors, assigned clinician, program manager, etc.
Other duties as assigned.
Benefits/Perks
Position may qualify for recruitment bonus
A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (fulltime required)
403B retirement benefits
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, 12 paid holidays for fulltime, sick leave based on hours worked)
Free employee assistance program through National EAP
Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
Training to support professional and personal development.
Employee wellness program.
Employee recognition activities
Salary Range
$53, 000 - $56,000 per year
$1500 Hiring Incentive after 500 completed work hours
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, care giver 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.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Individual and Family Services
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