Parent Advocate

MercyFirst; New York (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance package

403B retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Training for professional development

Job summary

A not-for-profit human service agency in Brooklyn seeks a Birth Parent Advocate to provide support and advocacy for birth parents with children in foster care. The role involves helping parents navigate the foster care system and working towards reunification. Ideal candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant personal experience in foster care. A comprehensive benefits package and a salary range of $38,000–$40,000 per year with a hiring incentive are offered.

Qualifications

• Prior personal lived experience in the Foster Care System is required.
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Contact birth parents to engage in planning for their child.
• Provide advocacy and referral services in areas such as family court.
• Educate birth parents about their experience in foster care.

Skills

Good communication skills

Advocacy

Understanding of the foster care system

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Reports to: Coordinator of Permanency Services
Department: Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC)
Schedule: Full Time / In Office

$1,000 Hiring Incentive

Agency Background

MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since 1894. The agency addresses the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. Services include community-based prevention, family foster care, group homes for children in 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, helping them overcome obstacles, re‑imagine their futures, and develop their potential.

Program Background

Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) was created to meet the evolving needs of New York City’s foster care population. It replaces the former Family Foster Care (FFC) and Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) programs, recognizing that all children in care have experienced trauma. EFFC supports children’s strengths, meets changing needs over time, and helps families reach their full potential.

Position Summary

The Birth Parent Advocate provides advocacy, support, and referral services for birth parents whose children are in foster care. The advocate helps parents navigate the foster care system, make informed decisions, maintain hope, and address family challenges to achieve reunification. The advocate builds connections with parents and collaborates with case planners. Experienced personal lived experience with ACS/Child Welfare System is required.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Prior personal lived experience in the Foster Care System is required
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments, and social justice

Responsibilities

• Contact birth parents within a specific timeframe to engage them in planning for their child
• Provide advocacy, support, and referral services in areas such as family court, housing, and public assistance
• Educate prospective birth parents about the birth parent/client experience
• Maintain contact and meet with birth parents regularly to provide support
• Participate in Birth Parent Orientation sessions
• Facilitate a Parent Support Circle for birth parents to address common needs
• Monitor family/sibling visits
• Respond to emergencies and client requests for information as needed
• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Participate in meetings and family team conferences

Benefits/Perks

• A comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision) for you and your family
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and 12 paid holidays)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Insurance discounts for staff and their families
• Training to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities

Salary and Hiring Incentive

$38,000–$40,000 per year with a hiring bonus of $1,000 after 500 worked hours.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti‑racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, military status, criminal history, marital status, caregiver status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any status protected by federal, state, and/or city law.