Socio-Therapist

MercyFirst•Brooklyn, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

MercyFirst is hiring a Socio-Therapist for its Enhanced Family Foster Care program in Brooklyn, New York. The role works with children and youth who need a higher level of care than a regular foster home can provide. The Socio-Therapist offers additional support to foster parents and families and works with a caseworker to help children progress toward permanency. MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency serving children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island. Its services include community-based prevention and family foster care, group homes, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Enhanced Family Foster Care serves children whose needs may change over time and emphasizes recognizing trauma and supporting each child’s strengths. This is a full-time, hybrid position reporting to the Casework Supervisor. The salary range is $55,000–$60,000 per year, with a $1,000 hiring incentive after 500 worked hours.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
At least 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.
Understanding of and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments, and social justice.

Nice To Haves

A valid driver’s license is strongly preferred.

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 help solve problems.
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 of 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 clients’ best interests.
Actively participate 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.
403B 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 incentive after 500 worked hours.