Youth Support Counselor

LOCATION: Syosset, NY REPORTS TO: Program Manager DEPARTMENT: Refugee Services SCHEDULE: Full Time / Onsite $1,000 Hiring Incentive AGENCY BACKGROUND: Mercy. First 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, Mercy. First serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures, and develop their full potential. PROGRAM BACKGROUND: The children in our START with Hope program are in the U.S. as children whose parents/guardians are not physically with them. Many of our children have fled dangerous and violent situations in their own home countries, including but not limited to Central and South America.

Most of our children have suffered devastating losses through trauma, violence, abandonment, poverty, substance abuses, or abuse. The children’s safety, nutritional, medical, emotional health and education are our top priorities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Support Counselor is responsible for supervising and providing emotional support to our START with Hope children. After completing extensive training, you will be able to utilize a strengths-based, trauma informed approach to working with our children. This position reports to the Program Manager with further support from the treatment team and Program Director.

Shift Schedule : 3:00pm - 11:00pm 11:00pm - 7:00am (Overnight shift) Shift assignments are determined by the Program Manager based on the needs of the individual program and required staffing coverage. Youth Support Counselors should be prepared to work shifts assigned to them and may be required to work different shifts as program needs change.

Flexibility to work both shift times is expected. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: All employment at Mercy. First under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is contingent upon successfully completing all onboarding and background check requirements in addition to completing ORR’s suitability process. ORR requires all candidates and employees to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route if working directly with children, including Varicella, MMK (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) DTaP or DTap, and Influenza.

Funding source for this position requires proof of certain vaccines (MMR, Varicella, and DTap). The MMR is for measles, mumps and rubella. The Varicella is for chicken pox. And the DTap is for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). If you do not have proof of these vaccines, you can opt to be re-vaccinated or to take "titer" tests.

Titer tests are simple blood tests that determine if you have enough antibodies in your immune system to still possess their protection or if you need booster vaccines. If you do not have proof of vaccinations, you can look at this website for tips on how to locate your records: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/locating_old_immun_records.

htm#how_find High School Diploma or equivalent 1 year of related experience working with children/youth Bilingual (Spanish) strongly preferred Ability to accurately document children’s activities Valid driver’s license strongly preferred Ability and willingness to work varied shifts including evenings and weekends Must successfully complete all required training Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintain a safe and secure environment for our youth Maintain consistent daily routines of the living unit in accordance with Agency policy and treatment plan Supervise clients’ attendance/participation at structured activities (i.

e., school, reaction, chores, meals) Implement treatment team recommendations Report behaviors believed to be symptomatic or emotional, physical, or psychological disturbances Document clients’ behaviors and activities Safely transport clients to scheduled appointments, recreation events, etc. Assist children in learning independent living skills (i.

e., basic hygiene, dress, cooking) Assist children in completing homework assignments BENEFITS/PERKS: A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family (fulltime required) 403B retirement benefits Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, 12 paid holidays for fulltime, sick leave based on hours worked) 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 activities Hourly Rate: $20/hour Hiring Incentive of $1,000 after 500 worked hours Mercy.

First 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.