Adoption Specialist

Buckner International•Fort Worth, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an Adoption specialist to join our Foster Care & Adoption team. The Adoption Specialist serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services is responsible for facilitating the placement and adoption of children in the care of TDFPS statewide (Waiting Texas Children) as well as Domestic Infant Adoption. Establish and build supportive and nurturing relationships with clients; Provide therapeutic services to the child and adoptive parents, before, during and after the adoption; provides services as prescribed by licensing standards and Texas law. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others!

Requirements

Requires in-depth understanding of a comprehensive field of knowledge normally associated with attainment of education and experience related to the Buckner mission. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field required
Minimum of 1-3 years prior related experience required.
Applicant should qualify as child placement staff based on the TDFPS Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.
Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner’s insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

Responsibilities

Accept inquiry calls, provide information and complete an initial screening on prospective adoptive parents for both the DIA and WTC programs.
Obtain, review, screen and update pertinent information about Buckner WTC families desiring to adopt children in the guardianship of TDFPS.
Obtain, review, screen and update pertinent information about Buckner DIA families desiring to adopt a child privately with Buckner.
Obtain and review pertinent information about TDFPS children waiting adoptive placement. Also review TARE children and submit appropriate families for consideration.
Review information on children in order to assess a prospective family’s ability to provide a safe, loving home that can meet the child’s needs in the DIA and WTC programs.
Supervise adoptive families from home study approval until finalization in the DIA and WTC programs.
Attend TDFPS placement meetings and make recommendations for matching and selection of TDPFS children with Buckner WTC families.
Participate in child placing decisions for children being placed in adoptive homes. Complete documentation regarding the child placed in adoptive homes that meet licensing and contract requirements.
Advocate for Buckner families to TDFPS staff to increase the number of children placed in Buckner WTC homes for the purpose of adoption.
Assist adoptive families in the development of family profiles as they are used in placement considerations in both the WTC and DIA programs.
Effectively develop and monitor family dynamics and treatment plans.
Participate in the planning for adoptive family support groups. Effectively lead appropriate and professional support groups for clients as needed.
Travel throughout assigned area to provide services to adoptive families.
Consult with supervisor regarding specific needs of clients, legal issues, placement issues, and any other issues with which supervisor might be helpful.