Caseworker II

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

REPORTS TO: Case Manager

DEPARTMENT: Refugee Services Home Studies & Post Release

SCHEDULE: Hybrid

$1500 HIRING Incentive

Agency Background

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 abuse, or abuse. The children’s safety, nutritional, medical, emotional health and education are our top priorities.

Position Summary

Case Workers also provide initial support to the child and sponsor family in the first few months of placement. Hybrid remote work schedule. This position requires 10-40% travel in the NE region of the country to visit newly reunited and/or newly joined sponsor families and children Additional regional travel may be required.

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 Degree in social work or related field
• 2+ year of related experience working with children/youth and families, prior work experience with new immigrants highly preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish) required
• Valid driver’s license required
• Ability and willingness to work varied shifts including evenings and weekends
• 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

• This position requires 10%-40% traveling
• Works in partnership with Lead Caseworker to maintain contact with Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR) regarding incident management and any changes to UC status.
• Works in partnership with CW supervisor to liaison with other agencies and with other networks and providers on a weekly basis.
• Shadows new employees with assessments, child interviews and monitors the job performance of Case Managers.
• Provide case management and family reunification services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) and identified sponsors/permanency resources.
• Responsible for the initial and ongoing assessment of the needs of each UAC, including initial and ongoing screening for human trafficking concerns.
• Adhere to mandates and regulations for UACs (i.e.: attending Immigration Court, providing related documentation to the judge).
• Maintain contact with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) regarding incident management and any changes in a UAC’s status.
• Prepare clear and accurate progress notes, needs assessments and Individual Service Plans.
  
  

Benefits/Perks

• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (fulltime reqd)
• 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
• Trainings to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities
  
  

Salary

$60,000 per year

$1500 Hiring Incentive after 500 hours worked

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.