Aftercare Caseworker II

MercyFirst • Syosset, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency serving children and families since 1894. The agency addresses emotional and physical needs through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions, providing community-based prevention, family foster care, group homes, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. MercyFirst serves over 3,000 children, teenagers, and families annually, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. This role is under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Long Island Residential Programs and will provide continued support to youth and their families for up to a year after returning home, aiming for successful discharge and preventing future out-of-home placements.

Requirements

• Minimum of an MSW or Masters in related field.
• Prior experience working with adolescents helpful (internship, volunteer, work experience considered).
• Prior experience with at risk youth strongly preferred.
• Prior casework experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide continued support to youth and their families from day 1 up to a year after they return home.
• Achieve successful discharge for both youth and family.
• Assist in helping children stay out of residential and/or foster care in the future.
• Conduct monthly meetings with youth and family while youth is in placement.
• Meet with youth 2x weekly to discuss child's activities, needs, plans, etc.
• Meet with parent or legal guardian weekly for the first 6 weeks; once monthly thereafter.
• Conduct collateral contact weekly with important figures in a youth's life such as school, therapist, and other resources.
• Conduct home assessment within the first week of placement with youth's Caseworker to determine any needs for successful transition home.
• Participate in weekly treatment rounds with a multi-disciplinary 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 (meetings to discuss and solve any issues that arise).
• Participate in placement agency's 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 from residential program, while child is in the aftercare phase.
• Provide updates to court as needed.

Benefits

• 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.
• Trainings to support professional and personal development.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee recognition activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level