Who We Are: Founded as an orphanage in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.

MercyFirst is currently seeking a Vocational Supervisor for its Syosset Location. 

Required Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Social Work or Education or a related field preferred
• Three years of work experience in child welfare or in a related field required
• Knowledge of human behavior, adolescent development, vocational training programs/systems and employment opportunities.
• Strong desire and commitment to work with youth and treatment team to promote educational and employment success for youth in RTA program.   
• Good interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the home communities of youth served throughout long Island.
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values and Sanctuary commitments

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide pre-employment training curriculum for youth, staff and parents that promotes work readiness and career interest and success, as well as problem-solving and advocacy in employment settings.
• Conduct Vocational assessments on each youth in the RTA program to be incorporated in individualized training plans and on-site work experience
• Develop job shadowing, designated vocational tracks; on-site and community partner employment opportunities for youth
• Direct supervision, support, and performance evaluations of youth in program sponsored work settings monitoring youth progress and program outcomes
• Establish community employment plan for youth transitioning back to community; assist in job search, preparation and ongoing support to maintain active employee status during After Care phase of programming
• Serve as agency liaison to other outside organizations with which the agency collaborates to promote employment/vocational success, including but not limited the BOCES, FREE, the Townships of Oyster Bay and Islip, etc.
• Serve as agency liaison to case planners, families, DSS/OCFS and to other outside organizations with which the agency collaborates in order to improve practice and develop procedures that promote efficiency in the provision of career guidance, employment and success.
• Complete administrative work, including but not limited to, timely input of educational and vocational service provision in CONNECTIONS, submission of monthly program reports, and preparation of documentation for internal and external audits.
• Other related duties as assigned by director or administrator