Youth Support Counselor

LOCATION: E. Massapequa, NY

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

DEPARTMENT: L.I. Residential Programs Mother/Child

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Onsite

Hiring Incentive: $1,000

Mercy First 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, Mercy First helps more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re‑imagine their futures and develop their full potential.

Pregnant and Parenting Teen Moms Infant to Toddlers. Our unique group residence allows our young people the flexibility to attend their regular community school, hold part‑time jobs, and maintain valuable relationships in their communities while receiving necessary services and support from our staff.

The Youth Support Counselor is responsible for supervising and providing emotional support to our youth. After completing extensive training, you will be able to utilize a strengths‑based, trauma‑informed approach to working with our children. This position reports to the Program Manager with further support from the treatment team and Program Vice President.

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 year of related experience working with children/youth preferred
• Ability to accurately document children’s activities
• Valid driver’s license strongly preferred
• 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 Social Justice.

• Maintain a safe and secure environment for our youth
• Maintain consistent daily routines of the living unit in accordance with Agency policy and treatment plan
• Supervise clients’ attendance/participation at structured activities (i.e., school, reaction, chores, meals)
• Implement treatment team recommendations
• Report behaviors believed to be symptomatic or emotional, physical, or psychological disturbances
• Document clients’ behaviors and activities
• Safely transport clients to scheduled appointments, recreation events, etc.
• Assist children in learning independent living skills (i.e., basic hygiene, dress, cooking)
• Assist youth in completing homework assignments

• 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 employees, 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

Hourly Rate: $20/hour
Hiring incentive: $1,000 after 500 worked hours

Mercy First 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.