Youth Support Counselor Ii

LOCATION: Brightwaters, NY

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Manager

DEPARTMENT: LI Residential Brightwaters

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Onsite

$1,500 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 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.

Program Background

Our BrightwatersLong Island Residential Group Home is for boys and girls up to 20 years old. These youth attend public school (and/or vocational schooling or college). They often work part-time or full-time if they've graduated. They participate in after-school activities like sports and clubs. They have school friends that they spend time with. They are sometimes in the difficult position of not having a family to be able to live with. They are lively and fun and full of promise for a better future. And we want to help them achieve a bright future.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Direct Care Worker II supervises clients, provides a safe and secure environment, and applies Agency approved methods of behavior modification including the point system, verbal de-escalation techniques and physical intervention if needed. Shifts assigned may vary and change according to Agency needs.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in residential care with children and/or adolescents. working with children/youth is preferred.
• Complete attendance records accurately.
• High School Diploma or equivalent or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
• Manage time effectively.
• Must successfully complete all required training.
• Valid driver’s license strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, assist in preparation and/or supervise meals for clients in accordance with dictated menu.
• Demonstrate knowledge of human development stages.
• Document clients’ behaviors and activities.
• Supervise clients’ attendance/participation in structured activities (i.e. school, reaction, chores, meals).
• Maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for clients.
• Prepare and monitor YSC I work schedules.
• Maintain consistent daily routines of the living unit in accordance with Agency policy and treatment plan.
• Assist clients in learning independent living skills (i.e., basic hygiene, dress, cooking).
• Observe and document clients’ self-administering medication.
• Report behaviors believed to be symptomatic or emotional, physical, or psychological disturbances.
• Implement treatment team recommendations.
• Attendance at and implementing recommendations of treatment team.
• Safely transport clients to scheduled appointments, recreation events, home visits and sibling visits, etc.

Benefits/Perks

• Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, 12 paid holidays for fulltime, sick leave based on hours worked)
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Employee wellness program
• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (fulltime required)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Employee recognition activities
• 403B retirement benefits
• Trainings to support professional and personal development

Salary Range

$19/hour - $22/hour

Hiring Incentive of $1,500 after 500 worked hours.

MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. 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. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment.