Adoption Consultant

State of Indiana•Terre Haute, IN

2d•$53,222•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Department of Child Services: Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions! The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation: Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination. Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home. Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy. Role Overview: The Adoption Consultant leads efforts to increase the number of children who achieve permanency through adoption by strengthening community awareness of special needs adoptions and expanding placements for children without identified adoptive homes. The role includes recruiting and preparing adoptive families, providing ongoing support throughout the adoption process, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all steps in the adoption lifecycle are completed. In addition, the Consultant serves as a resource for field staff by offering training, guidance, and information to improve adoption outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or
Associate degree with a minimum of two (2) years of human services job experience, or
Completion of thirty (30) college credit hours from an accredited institution with a minimum of four (4) years of human services job experience, or
A minimum of at least five (5) years of human services job experience.
Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of social work, casework, sociology and group and individual counseling including new methods and theories of treatment.
Thorough knowledge of state and/or federal laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards affecting child protection services, foster care, family preservation and adoption.
Thorough knowledge of related social services programs and ability to coordinate work among programs.
Specialized knowledge of the interrelationships of the various behavioral sciences as they affect care and treatment of patients/clients and/or objectives of social work projects.
Ability to investigate and interview alleged victims and perpetrators of child abuse or neglect in an appropriate and effective manner.
Ability to formulate and monitor project guidelines or treatment plans.
Ability to prepare clear, accurate reports.
Ability to work with families of diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds with sensitivity to differences in child rearing practices, relationships and need.
Ability to work with children with special needs such as mental or emotional conditions, the foster families, or the home willing to accept those children and the professionals who can appropriately provide services to them.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crises situations including those involving confrontational, aggressive adults being investigated for child abuse or neglect.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

A degree is not required. However, at least 5+ years of human services experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Responsibilities

Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.
Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.
Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

Benefits

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access