LOCATION: New York City (Brooklyn/Queens)

REPORTS TO: Director of Social Services- New York Residential Program

DEPARTMENT: New York City Residential Programs

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Hybrid
 

$1,000 Hiring Incentive

 

AGENCY & PROGRAM 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.

 

MercyFirst’s Pregnant, Postpartum, Parenting (PPP) Program provides 24-hour residential care and supportive services for youth with a history of trauma and the presence of complex needs. Three agency-operated group homes provide youth with structure and supervision within family-like settings designed to provide evidence-based treatment to promote emotional and physical safety and stability, practice positive coping skills, and build healthy relationships, as well as case management services to support discharge planning through family reunification or independent housing, and youth development services to foster growth and competency in daily life skills. The residential programs provide specialized residential foster care for teens who are pregnant or parenting and accommodate their child.

 

POSITION SUMMARY: An Early Intervention Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting and assisting children (and parents) in detection, assessment and intervention of developmental delays in children 6 months to 3 years old. The qualified candidate will provide support, education and collaboration with parents and providers to provide/coordinate early intervention services that promote the overall growth and development of children. Candidate will be a member of multi-disciplinary team and will work in close collaboration with the social services department including the Parent Educator.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Human Services field required. Certification or licensure in early childhood intervention preferred.

• Knowledge and training in working with children and families including child development stages and family dynamics.
• Prior experience working with children and families known to the Child Welfare system, impacted by Abuse and Trauma preferred.

• Experience working with children with developmental delays or disabilities
• Knowledge of early childhood development and intervention strategies
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities
• Proficiency in using assessment tools and software

• Strong Engagement, Organizational and Communication skills.
• Knowledge of and commitment to child welfare best practice standards.
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and belonging (DEIB)
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings on call for emergencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

• Demonstrate competency in child development.
• Demonstrate cultural competency.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct developmental assessments and evaluations to identify areas of delay or concern

• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans based on assessment results
• Collaborate with parents to provide education, support, and resources
• Work with other professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and pediatricians
• Monitor and document children's progress toward developmental goals
• Adjust intervention strategies as needed based on ongoing assessments
• Facilitate and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings
• Provide training and support to caregivers and family members
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the community
• Stay current with best practices and research in early childhood intervention
• Participate in routine meetings with multidisciplinary team and providers

 

 

BENEFITS/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 days, and 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 activities