Aftercare Caseworker II

Location

Syosset, NY

Caseworker Supervisor

LI Residential

Full-Time / Hybrid

$1,000 Hiring Bonus

Mercy First is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since our founders, the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia, established the agency in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and within Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions.

We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes for children and families in 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, helping them overcome obstacles, reimagine their futures, and develop their full potential.

Admission to our specialized programs is determined by Family Court recommendations, placing children in the most appropriate, least restrictive setting. Mercy First offers residential treatment for these children and plans for their successful discharge from the moment they are admitted. While with us, children and adolescents attend school on our Syosset campus, receive medical and clinical services, and work with a multidisciplinary team to prepare for discharge and ensure a smooth transition.

Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Long Island Residential Programs, the Aftercare Caseworker will provide youth and their families with continued support from day 1 and up to a year after they return home. The goals are successful discharge for both youth and family and assisting in keeping children out of residential and/or foster care in the future.

• Minimum of an MSW or Master’s in a related field. New grads considered.
• Prior experience working with adolescents helpful (internship, volunteer, work experience considered).
• Prior experience with at‑risk youth strongly preferred.
• Prior casework experience required.

• Monthly meetings with youth and family while youth is in our placement.
• Meet with youth two times weekly to discuss activities, needs, plans, etc.
• Meet with parent or legal guardian weekly for the first six weeks; once monthly thereafter.
• Collateral contact weekly with key figures in the youth’s life such as school, therapist, and other resources.
• Conduct a home assessment within the first week of placement with the youth’s Caseworker to determine any needs for successful transition home.
• Participate in weekly treatment rounds with a multidisciplinary team, including therapists, medical staff, recreation, education, and residential life staff.
• Record notes and provide updates on youth’s activities and functioning in rounds meetings.
• Write and update psychosocial assessments.
• Participate in red‑flag meetings to discuss and solve any issues that arise.
• Participate in placement agency status meetings.
• Complete monthly detailed discharge plans.
• Identify community‑based support for both youth and legal guardian prior to discharge, such as home services, housing assistance, medical services, etc.
• Attend all court appearances with youth after discharge during the aftercare phase and provide updates to the court as needed.

• 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 staff and their families.
• Training to support professional and personal development.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee recognition activities.

$58,000 – $60,000 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…