Socio-Therapist

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

REPORTS TO: Casework Supervisor

DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Hybrid

Hiring Incentive: $1000

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

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.

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.

• 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

• 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 time frames
• 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

• 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

$55,000 - $60,000 per year

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…