SUMMARY An Adoption Specialist is responsible for all Adoptions services for assigned children and families. They are to ensure that pre and post adoption services are efficiently and effectively communicated and facilitated for all families and children within Seven Homes care. The Adoption Specialist is to work together with the Foster Care Program as a supportive role and to ensure Adoption and Licensing standards along with Agencies and Policy practices are being met.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Our Purpose is to walk alongside children and families with faith, compassion, and connection as they heal from trauma and discover belonging. VALUES
- Love like Christ
- Restore wonder and belonging for children
- Grounded by integrity and stewardship
- Dedicated to building a trauma responsive foster community
- Committed to a deeply relational, supportive approach
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following: 1. Support adoptive parents in their efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for adoptive children. 2. Provide in-home visits to ensure Adoption/Licensing standards are maintained and ensure the health and welfare of children in assigned homes are being met 3. Work in partnership with other community resources to provide collaborative services for children, as needed 4. Attend court hearings as assigned cases require 5. Complete required paperwork, as necessary, to facilitate the finalization of adoption(s) 6. Specific duties and responsibilities can be found on Pages 3—4 Performs any other functions and duties assigned and necessary for the smooth and efficient operations of Seven Homes.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited 4-year college or university in social work, human services, or related field 2. Have or be eligible to apply for the Certified Social Worker (CSW) accreditation 3. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including being available for overtime and on-call assignments 4. Excellent written, verbal communication, and technological skills 5. A valid driver's license 6. Meet agency drug screen, criminal background, and driving record standards
WORK HOURS
An Adoption Specialist typically works 40 hours per week, but the hours will vary based on the unique circumstances surrounding assigned cases. Flexibility, overtime, and travel may be required. In periods of reduced workload or demand, job roles and responsibilities may overlap temporarily.
TECHNOLOGY/ COMMUNICATION SKILLS 1.
English language: speaking, reading, and writing skills needed to complete complex required regulatory documentation 2. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or similar software
DRESS CODE
When working in the office or in the field, business casual attire is appropriate. Clothing should be in good repair, laundered, and pressed. Clothing with language or images that may be offensive or inappropriate to wear around children is prohibited. Professional attire is required when representing Seven Homes or attending professional meetings both inside and outside of the office.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and communicate effectively, including talking and hearing. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, write, and operate office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and occasionally stoop or kneel. Duties are performed primarily in an office environment at a desk and computer, with the ability to remain in a stationary position approximately 80% of the time. This role also requires the ability to navigate a variety of home and community environments, including multi-story residences, and may involve standing or walking for extended periods during home visits and community meetings. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess the ability to drive for work-related travel. The employee must also be able to lift, carry, and secure items weighing up to 25 pounds, including child-related equipment such as car seats, backpacks, and case materials.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Seven Homes has a work environment that includes office work, driving, and private residences, schools, medical facilities, and community agencies. Residential environments may vary and could include exposure to animals, secondhand smoke, strong odors, and homes that may not be well maintained or other environmental challenges. The employee must be able to adapt to changing environments and sometimes unpredictable environments while maintaining professionalism, safety awareness, and appropriate boundaries. The noise level in the work environment varies based on essential functions being performed. Shared use of common spaces in the workplace is required. Maintaining a tidy office space and common areas is expected. Work environment may change based on the immediate needs of foster care and adoption programs.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE
- Attend mandatory monthly Agency-wide meetings
- Attend monthly Adoption Team Meetings and Adoption Committee Meetings
- Communicate with Director of Programs regarding attendance for team meetings/events, absences, and time off requests, if appropriate
- Attend mandatory quarterly Staff Team Building Events
- Help plan and attend an annual Adoption Family Celebration
- Attend Agency Christmas Parties as assigned by the Director of Programs
- Help plan and attend Networking opportunities with partnering Agencies, as assigned
- Face-to-face contact with assigned children and families as required for the facilitation of PPA's, Updated PPA's and Adoption Paperwork and services.
- In a supportive effort, transport children in the program, as needed o May include but not limited to medical appointments, therapy appointments, supervised visitations, etc. as requested by the Adoptions Program Director.
- Maintain file compliance for assigned children/ families (Adoption Family files) on a monthly basis o Obtain any documentation necessary for the file, as required by state guidelines
- Provide support to prevent placement disruption, as situation requires
- Attend appropriate training to ensure current knowledge of social work standards, policies, and laws. o Complete 24 hours of training specific to job roles and responsibilities, annually.
- Maintain positive relationships with Seven Homes families and children, other agencies, and community members
- Attend court hearings, if applicable
- Attend adoption ceremonies, when applicable
- Work with appropriate agency and/or legal staff on required documentation for Adoption files or Legal documents
- Make recommendation(s) regarding the finalization of adoption(s), based on child's best interest
- Track judicial requirements and timeframes o Ensure all required documents are obtained effectively and efficiently in accordance with state standards
- Be pro-active and follow up with all necessary parties about the status/process of in-process adoptions
- Conduct Pre-Placements Assessments and Updates
- Provide information and initial screening to adoptive family inquiries
- Provide Post Adoption Services for Adoptive children and families
- Work with our Foster Care program and partnering Agencies regarding incoming Adoption Referrals
- Attend/Participate and/or Facilitate Adoption information Sessions, as assigned
- Follow up with past Adoptive Families to ensure all post adoptive services are being utilized and to support the family/child regarding any ongoing needs
- Turn in "Week at a Glance" to Supervisor by Friday at 5pm for the next work week
- Turn in Weekly time sheets To Accounting Manager and Supervisor by 5:00 p.m. on Friday
- Other Duties as assigned by the Director of Programs or the
Executive Director Pay:
$45,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan
Work Location:
In person