Adoption Case Manager

Children's Home Society of Florida•Lakeland, FL

42d

About The Position

Since opening our doors in 1902, CHS became a part of Florida's history. CHS has been committed to growing and evolving to provide the right services and solutions to address the needs of children and families throughout the changing times. Every day, our team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, we're changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families' lives for generations to come. Join our team to continue to do good and create history serving Florida's children and families! The Adoption Case Manager develops and implements recruiting strategies for prospective adoptive families. This includes coordinating legally required documentation to complete private and international adoptions. Overall, the Adoption Case Manager contributes to CHS's strategic objective of reimagining what HOME means by creating spaces where every child and family is supported and has access to the opportunities they need to pursue their dreams. WHY JOIN CHS? Uplifting mission-driven work culture Make an impact in your community and become a part of Florida's history! Growth and professional development opportunities Great benefits package, including generous paid time off and holidays

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Human Services related field from an accredited university, required.
Child Welfare Certification is required
Florida Driver's License within 30 days from hire with daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle, required.
Two years of professionally related experience, required.
Skills/ Ability to Demonstrate CHS Core Behaviors: Caring - Demonstrate active empathy, kindness and compassion in every interaction, while setting healthy limits and boundaries with clients. Client-Focused - Provide high levels of customer service, exercising discretion/diplomacy while acting to protect clients when necessary. Curious - Exhibit willingness to explore/reframe problems as opportunities, using good judgement to solve practical problems. Committed - Manage multiple priorities while taking initiative to achieve to desired results and outcomes. Accountable - Meet critical deadlines, while maintaining high attention to detail and accuracy. Proficient - Undertake job duties with minimal supervision, using general office tools, including MS Office Suite and Teams. Resourceful - Accomplish tasks with available resources, stewarding CHS resources appropriately. Team Player - Collaborate and work well with colleagues, contributing to positive morale and spirit within the team. Coalition Builder - Establish internal and external connections to collaborate on shared goals. Inclusive - Interact effectively with others, being sensitive to differences in attitudes, styles, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Excellence-Driven - Is present and prepared, delivering high quality work. Leader - Exhibit a professional presence, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills with unwavering Respect, Integrity and Dedication to the CHS mission.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Social Work or related field, preferred.
Experience training or supervising foster parents, preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized adoption services using recruitment strategies to support dependency team and children and families in care.
Develop and implement adoption recruitment strategies based on community demographics and program needs.
Plan, facilitate and represent the agency at community events, public speaking engagements, and adoption matching activities.
Coordinate with other agencies to maximize recruitment efforts.
Manage adoptive family inquiries and conduct initial screenings. Monitor and respond to recruitment emails.
Conduct in-person and virtual home studies, home visits, and collect all necessary documentation for licensure and home approval.
Prepare adoptive home approval packets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Track and maintain adoptive parent files and licensing documentation.
Assess child and family needs to determine appropriate adoptive matches.
Facilitate placement logistics, including Medicaid/SSN cards, medical records, and pre-placement visits.
Serve as liaison with case managers, schools, and relevant parties throughout the placement process.
Provide on-site and after-hours support to prevent placement disruptions.
Assist with legal documentation, ICPC/OTI processes, and finalize adoptions.
Provide counseling and education to adoptive families, and children before, during, and after the adoption process.
Offer supportive services, including individual and family counseling, Positive Parenting education, and post-placement support.
Work with biological families exploring adoption options and obtain legal consents when needed.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in FSFN and other required systems.
Complete all necessary placement forms and ensure timely billing and subsidy documentation.
Register new clients, update databases, and coordinate creation and upkeep of bio's and websites.
Follow and complete quarterly reports for funder.
Participate in statewide and national recruitment meetings.
Develop a strong knowledge base and stay current on job-related issues, best practices, and trends.
Participate actively in departmental meetings, training and education, as well as the quality process.
Comply with CHS's code of conduct, policies, procedures and other obligations.
Assist with training other team members and providing back-up when necessary.
Pick up projects on the fly; perform other duties as assigned from time to time.