Family Team Conferencing Facilitator, Safe Way Forward; SWF

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director, Safe Way Forward

DEPARTMENT: Safe Way Forward

SCHEDULE: Onsite / Hybrid Schedule

$1,000 Hiring Incentive

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.

Mercy First’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.

The Family Team Conferencing Facilitator is responsible for working with the case management staff to schedule and lead Family Team Conferences that engage members of the family system experiencing IPV and their natural supports in planning sessions designed to help clients identify their needs, while acknowledging strengths that can be used to improve functioning or problematic situations. Approach to service is family-centered, 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.

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) or in a related Human Services field with 2 years of experience in casework services Required
• Prior experience working with children and families impacted by Abuse and Trauma Required
• Prior experience leading Group sessions Preferred
• Prior experience working with families affected by IPV Preferred
• Bilingual Spanish/English 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
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging (DEIB).

• Coordination of community-based, home-based, virtual FTC sessions with youth and families referred to SWF program in accordance with all applicable ACS, OCFS and Family Court standards, instructions and procedures Facilitate the active participation of family members at Family Team Conferences (FTC) to build consensus and make joint decisions around the development of Service Plans that address individual and family system needs and expectations to restore Safety, and promote Stability and Well-being outcomes
• Maintain fidelity to the FTC model. Establish an atmosphere conducive to facilitating an FTC that is strength-based, solution-focused, and engages all stakeholders in a participatory process to…