Case Planner (BA)

MercyFirst•Brooklyn, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

MercyFirst is hiring a Case Planner for its Enhanced Family Foster Care program in Brooklyn, New York. The Case Planner works with children and youth living in foster homes, supporting children, foster parents, and birth families in partnership with Socio-Therapists to help each child progress toward permanency. Foster parents may be relatives or non-relatives. This role is part of a 24/7 operation and involves extensive travel throughout New York City, Long Island, Staten Island, Upstate New York, and/or New Jersey; rare out-of-state travel may also be required. Travel may occur on weekends and occasionally require overnight stays, with paid travel time and hotel. A valid, clean driver’s license is required for Long Island cases. MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency founded in 1894. It serves children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island through prevention and foster care programs, community group homes, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Enhanced Family Foster Care combines the former Family Foster Care and Treatment Family Foster Care programs and recognizes the effects of trauma, changing needs, and the importance of supporting children’s strengths. The position offers a salary of $50,000–$54,000 per year and a $1,000 hiring incentive after 500 worked hours. The schedule is full time and hybrid.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
One year of related work experience serving children and/or families.
Knowledge of and/or training in child development stages.
Knowledge of and/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.
Understanding of and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments, and social justice.

Responsibilities

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 three months in the program.
Document all contacts and case activities in the state system, Connections, and agency patient-tracking systems.
Complete documentation within established timeframes.
Prepare required case documentation, including progress notes, psychosocial reports, permanency hearing notes, and FASPs.
Attend legal proceedings, such as family court hearings, representing the agency and the clients’ best interests.
Participate actively in staff training and supervision meetings.
Arrange, monitor, and document family and/or sibling visits.
Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families.
403(b) retirement benefits.
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick time, plus 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.
$1,000 hiring bonus after 500 worked hours.