LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY
REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Permanency Services
DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC)
SCHEDULE: Full Time / In Office
$1,000 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:
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 (FFC) and Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) 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.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Birth Parent Advocate will provide advocacy, support, and referral services for birth parents whose children are in foster care. The Parent Advocate helps the parent understand and navigate the foster care system, make decisions for their families, remain hopeful, and address family challenges so that they can accomplish their goal of reunification. The focus of this job is building connections with parents and working collaboratively with case planners. Each Parent Advocate will be assigned to a case planning unit and will support parents and bring their experience to the foster care agency decision-making process so that children safely return home. Parent Advocates with their own Prior Personal lived experience with ACS/Child Welfare System is Required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or equivalent requiredGood Communication, both verbal and writtenPrior Personal lived experience in the Foster Care System is RequiredUnderstanding and willingness to commit to the agency's Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Contacts birth parent within specific time frame in order to engage them in the process of planning for their childProvides advocacy, support, and referral services for Birth Parents in such areas as family court, housing, and public assistanceEducate prospective birth parents on the birth parent/client experienceMaintains contact and meets with birth parent on a regular basis to provide supportParticipates in Birth Parent OrientationFacilitates a Parent Support Circle for birth parents in order to address common needsMonitor family/sibling visitsRespond to emergencies as needed and/or directedRespond to Client requests for information.Maintain appropriate boundariesParticipate in meetings and family team conferences
BENEFITS/PERKS:
A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family403B retirement benefitsEmployer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insuranceGenerous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)Free employee assistance program through National EAPInsurance discounts for our staff and their familiesTrainings to support professional and personal developmentEmployee wellness programEmployee recognition activities
Salary Range:
$38,000-$40,000 per year
Hiring bonus of $1,000 after 500 worked hours
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.