City Year is proud to partner with Children’s Corps so our alumni can continue to make a difference in the lives of children. This partnership reflects the shared visions and values of both organizations, and their belief in the power of young people. City Year strengthens an applicant’s competitiveness and chances for being selected for Children’s Corps.

Background

Children’s Corps (a program of Fostering Change for Children) is enhancing the child welfare workforce through the specialized selection, training, and support of new caseworkers. Its mission is to improve children’s chances for success by building a workforce of highly skilled and dedicated workers who have the potential to become leaders in the field. Children’s Corps plays a unique role similar to a hiring agency, but specialized for child welfare and partners with New York City provider agencies that are eager to employ Corps members. Children’s Corps offers an employment alternative for individuals that want to work with at-risk children, youth and families.

The City Year experience is a strong indicator of future success at Children’s Corps and serving a year with the organization strengthens an applicant’s chances for being selected as a Corps member. Click here to learn more about Children’s Corps.

Benefits offered by Children's Corps

• Support and Professional Development: Throughout their two-year commitment, Corps members maintain access to hands-on guidance and coaching from Children’s Corps staff, professional mentors and regular trainings to support and guide their practice.
  • Pre-Service Training: Before beginning the 2-year commitment and work with children and families, all Corps members are required to attend the 4-week Children’s Corps Summer Training Academy held at Columbia School of Social Work. This comprehensive training provides Corps members with knowledge of the child welfare system and a variety of topics related to the work, instills an important set of values to take on the challenges of the job, and builds a strong team among the new Corps members.
  • Mentoring: Corps members will have the opportunity to connect with several professionals, who have expertise in a variety of areas in child welfare. Corps members will be able to build a mentor relationship with a professional whose career aligns with a Corps member’s interests. This relationship is a great source of support and guidance towards future career goals.
  • Ongoing Support and Training: Children's Corps coordinates gatherings/trainings one evening each month. These gatherings give Corps members the chance to connect and relax together outside of the work environment. This also is an opportunity to learn how their peers are doing and receive peer support, as well as extra guidance in targeted practice areas.
• Participating in Children's Corps offers an opportunity for members to connect with New York City's most vulnerable children and families and make a powerful positive impact on their lives and futures.
• Additionally, Children's Corps members will:
  • Be fully employed for a minimum of 2 years (starting salaries range from $32,000 to $42,000 for undergraduate degrees and $40,000 to $46,000 for BSWs, MSWs or related Masters degrees) with potential increases based on merit
  • Receive health and fringe benefits
  • Take advantage of professional and leadership development opportunities
  • Gain significant career experience and exploration
  • Have a potentially permanent job with a child welfare care agency
  • Expand their network of friends and professional connections

Apply

• Click here to access the Children’s Corps admissions website and apply online.
• Application deadlines are in January and February.
• For current updates, please view our facebook page and check back here (or the Children’s Corps website) in the Fall for information about the next application period.
• The admissions process is designed to help us identify the applicants who are the right fit for child welfare work. Children’s Corps should also be the right fit for its candidates, so interested applicants are asked to read through all our information and spend time on a thoughtful application.
• If you are accepted into the Corps, you will agree to commit two years to Children's Corps and you will be required to attend five weeks of training during the summer before commencing work at your placement agencies.
• City Year corps members and alumni should highlight their City Year experience on their resume and in their letter of intent as part of application materials.

To Contact Children's Corps

• For further information, please visit the Children’s Corps website. If you have additional questions, you can contact Children’s Corps at info@fosteringchangeforchildren.org

Please note that all admissions decisions are made by Children's Corps. Corps members and alumni interested in the program must complete the full application process.