Vocational Specialist

About the role

Location: Syosset, NY. Reports to: Senior Director of LI Residential Programs. Department: Long Island Residential Services.

Agency Background: MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency serving children and families since 1894, providing community‑based prevention, family foster care, group homes, and short‑term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children across Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island, serving over 3,000 children, teenagers, and families annually.

Program Background: The RISE program meets complex needs of youth involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems, offering trauma‑focused, strengths‑based, culturally competent, family‑centered treatment to promote safety, stability, prosocial growth, reduce delinquent behaviors, improve family functioning, and connect youth to community resources.

Summary: Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Long Island Residential Programs, the Vocational Specialist will provide direct supervision to youth as they obtain both on‑ and off‑campus employment.

Responsibilities

• Complete assessment of experiences and interests with youth upon placement in program.
• Assess for job readiness.
• Identify career goals and individualize each plan for youth.
• Directly supervise and support youth in all on‑campus work experiences.
• Host pre‑employment training workshops for youth.
• Evaluate youth’s job performances.
• Assist and support youth in job searches in their local community while preparing for discharge/aftercare.
• Conduct monthly phone check‑ins with youth during aftercare to monitor employment experiences.
• Conduct workshops pertaining to job applications, resume writing, employment etiquette, problem solving, communication, etc.
• Formulate positive relationships with businesses to potentially place youth for employment.
• Host Career Day/fairs.
• Utilize Career Zone with youth.
• Create job shadowing opportunities for youth.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for residents.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with residents and staff.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree with +2 years of experience OR Master’s Degree.

Pay

Bachelor Degree – $26/hr. – $28/hr.; Master Degree – $29/hr. – $31/hr.

Schedule

Part‑Time (20 hours/week)