Full-Time Advocate

Join to apply for the Parent Advocate role at MercyFirst .

Schedule: Full Time / In Office

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.

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.

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.

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Prior Personal lived experience in the Foster Care System is Required

Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice.

Contacts birth parent within specific time frame in order to engage them in the process of planning for their child

Provides advocacy, support, and referral services for Birth Parents in such areas as family court, housing, and public assistance

A 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

Trainings to support professional and personal development

Hiring bonus of $1,000 after 500 worked hours

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.