Case Planner; BA

Agency Background

Mercy First is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since 1894, founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia. Our organization addresses the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We offer community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes for children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children.

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

Location: Ozone Park, NY

Reports To: Casework Supervisor

Department: Enhanced Family Foster Care

Schedule: Full Time / Hybrid

Hiring Incentive: $1,000 after 500 worked hours

Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) combines and replaces the previous Family Foster Care (FFC) and Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) programs, recognizing that all children in care have experienced some level of trauma. The program adapts to changing needs and supports the strengths of children to reach their full potential.

A Case Planner works with children and youth who reside in a foster home. Foster parents may be relatives or unrelated individuals. Case Planners collaborate with Socio‑Therapists to provide supports to children, foster parents, and birth families, ensuring progress toward permanency.

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field
• 1 year of relevant experience serving children and/or families
• Knowledge of or training in child development stages
• Knowledge of or training in family dynamics
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Ability to engage with clients
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Commitment to Mercy First’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice

• Provide intensive support to children, therapeutic foster parents, and birth families
• Conduct regular casework sessions in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates
• Perform regular home visits to therapeutic foster homes
• Maintain regular contact with birth parents for support and problem solving
• Maintain regular contact with foster parents and/or resource persons
• Hold bi‑weekly individual Socio‑Therapist sessions with each client and family during the first three months in program
• Document all contacts and case activities in the State system of Connections and agency patient tracking systems
• Complete documentation within established time frames
• Prepare all required documentation per case, including progress notes, psychosocial reports, permanency hearing notes, and FASPs
• 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

• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• 403(b) 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 staff and their families
• Training to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities

$54,000 – $55,000 per year. Hiring bonus of $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, 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.