Family Engagement Specialist, A Safe Way Forward (SWF)

Company: MercyFirst
Location: New York
Posted on: June 1, 2025

Job Description:

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NYREPORTS TO: Senior Director, A Safe Way ForwardDEPARTMENT: Family Support ServicesSCHEDULE: Onsite/ Hybrid$1,000 Hiring IncentiveAGENCY 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:MercyFirst's A Safe Way Forward Program (SWF) provides child welfare involved families affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) with comprehensive prevention services including case management and therapeutic intervention modalities to address IPV. This joint prevention-clinical services model offers trauma-informed services to the whole family, including the survivor of IPV, the person causing harm (PCH), and to children exposed to the IPV/DV in the home. Range of services includes in-home visitation, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, individual, group and family counseling, psychoeducation and support, and referral to other appropriate services. The SWF program will serve a total of 65 families residing in Brooklyn.POSITION SUMMARY:The SWF Family Engagement Specialist conducts targeted outreach with new clients offering peer support, advocacy, and assistance with concrete services. The Family Engagement Specialist has experiences similar to those of program participants, including history of child welfare involvement and/or intimate partner violence within their immediate/extended family. Approach to service is trauma-informed, strengths-based and emphasizes both short-term and long-term goals to restore and maintain Safety for all family members, Protect children from future exposure to IPV, and promote Healing and Improved Family Relationships. The qualified candidate will be responsible for adherence to reporting requirements and timelines and meeting programmatic outcome measures.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED Diploma Required
• Personal experience with the NYS Child Welfare system as a client/service recipient required
• Prior experience working with families affected by IPV Preferred
• Demonstrate cultural competence and a commitment to anti-racism work
• Strong Engagement, Organizational and Communication skills
• Knowledge of and commitment to child welfare best practice standards
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends and to be on call for emergencies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency's Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Community-based and home-based contacts with survivor parent and person causing harm referred to SWF program in accordance with all applicable ACS, OCFS and Family Court standards, instructions, and procedures
  • Collaborate with the SWF Team to help engage parents in services designed to restore Safety, and promote Stability and Well-being outcomes
  • Support parent in navigating the NYC public systems of support including child welfare system, family court, financial assistance, housing assistance
  • Accompany parents to appointments and meetings; support active participation in Family Team Conferences and Treatment Team meetings
  • Participation in weekly rounds with Case Management and Clinical Team to ensure integrated approach to case management and clinical services are aligned with family needs
  • Responsible for completing timely and accurate Progress Notes and data entry into systems of record: Connections, PROMIS, ASARA
  • Availability to assist with 24 hour on-call support to program personnel and clients
  • Participation in weekly supervision, program meetings, trainings, and workshops to enhance professional development and advance program development initiatives
  • Establish and sustain a workplace environment that is respectful and supportive of staff, all members of family affected by IPV, community service providers, and other external stakeholdersBENEFITS/PERKS:
    • 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
    • Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
    • Trainings to support professional and personal development
    • Employee wellness program
    • Employee recognition activitiesSALARY RANGE:$44,000 - 48,000 per yearHiring Incentive of $1,000 after 500 worked hoursMercyFirst 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.
      #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: MercyFirst, Trenton , Family Engagement Specialist, A Safe Way Forward (SWF), Other , New York, New Jersey