Caseworker I

MercyFirst•Syosset, NY

About The Position

MercyFirst is hiring a full-time Caseworker I for its START with Hope program in Syosset, New York. The program serves children in the United States without their parents or guardians physically present, many of whom have experienced trauma, violence, abandonment, poverty, substance abuse, or abuse. The program prioritizes children’s safety, nutrition, medical and emotional health, and education. The Caseworker coordinates services between children and their sponsors, maintains contact with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), and prepares documentation supporting safe release recommendations. The role includes assessing needs and sponsors, documenting progress, developing service plans, and collaborating with ORR partners to evaluate reunification and discharge options. Employment is contingent on completing onboarding, background checks, and ORR’s suitability process. The position requires proof of specified vaccinations or qualifying titer tests for employees working directly with children.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
One year of related experience working with children or youth and families.
Bilingual Spanish ability is required.
Successfully complete all required training.
Complete all onboarding and background-check requirements and ORR’s suitability process.
If working directly with children, provide proof of immunity to respiratory-route vaccine-preventable diseases, including Varicella, MMR, DTaP, and Influenza. The funding source specifically requires proof for MMR, Varicella, and DTaP; re-vaccination or titer tests are options if proof is unavailable.
Demonstrate understanding of and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify and assess sponsors to support safe and timely release.
Conduct intake assessments of minors to evaluate potential safety concerns and post-release needs.
Maintain regular contact with sponsors and birth parents or legal guardians.
Conduct regular casework sessions with each client in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates.
Document all contacts in appropriate computer systems within established timeframes.
Prepare required reunification documentation for each case, including reunification applications, background-check coordination, fingerprinting schedules, and release requests.
Participate in staff training and supervision meetings.
Arrange, monitor, and document visits with sponsors, advocates, or other entities.
Respond to emergencies as needed or directed.
Attend daily meetings and provide case updates to team members.
Attend treatment team meetings with clinical and case manager supervisors, the assigned clinician, program manager, and others.
Coordinate services between children and their sponsors and maintain contact with ORR regarding incident management, children’s status, and family contact.
Prepare progress notes, needs assessments, individual service plans, and discharge recommendations and documentation.
Collaborate with ORR partners to evaluate and assess reunification and discharge options.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Position may qualify for a recruitment bonus.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and family (full-time employment required).
403B retirement benefits.
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Paid time off, including vacation, personal time, 12 paid holidays for full-time employees, and sick leave based on hours worked.
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.
$1,000 hiring incentive after 500 completed work hours.