Full-Time Advocate

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Reports to: Coordinator of Permanency Services

Department: Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC)

Schedule: Full Time / In Office

$1,000 Hiring Incentive

Agency Background

MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since 1894. The agency addresses the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. Services include community-based prevention, family foster care, group homes for children in 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, helping them overcome obstacles, re‑imagine their futures, and develop their potential.

Program Background

Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) was created to meet the evolving needs of New York City’s foster care population. It replaces the former Family Foster Care (FFC) and Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) programs, recognizing that all children in care have experienced trauma. EFFC supports children’s strengths, meets changing needs over time, and helps families reach their full potential.

Position Summary

The Birth Parent Advocate provides advocacy, support, and referral services for birth parents whose children are in foster care. The advocate helps parents navigate the foster care system, make informed decisions, maintain hope, and address family challenges to achieve reunification. The advocate builds connections with parents and collaborates with case planners. Experienced personal lived experience with ACS/Child Welfare System is required.

Required Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Good communication skills, both verbal and written

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

Responsibilities

Contact birth parents within a specific timeframe to engage them in planning for their child

Provide advocacy, support, and referral services in areas such as family court, housing, and public assistance

Educate prospective birth parents about the birth parent/client experience

Maintain contact and meet with birth parents regularly to provide support

Participate in Birth Parent Orientation sessions

Facilitate a Parent Support Circle for birth parents to address common needs

Monitor family/sibling visits

Respond to emergencies and client requests for information as needed

Maintain appropriate boundaries

Participate in meetings and family team conferences

Benefits/Perks

• A comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision) for you and your family
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and 12 paid holidays)
• 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

Salary and Hiring Incentive

$38,000–$40,000 per year with a hiring bonus of $1,000 after 500 worked hours.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti‑racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, military status, criminal history, marital status, caregiver status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any status protected by federal, state, and/or city law.

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