Adoption Specialist - Grand Rapids area

Samaritas•Grand Rapids, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Legacy Adoption Services is seeking a dedicated Adoption Specialist to provide compassionate, child-centered case management and support throughout the adoption journey. This full-time position is located in the Grand Rapids area. The role involves providing advanced case management services for children and families, ensuring adherence to all contractual, regulatory, and accreditation standards. The ideal candidate will have a passion for permanency and a desire to help children in foster care find their forever families. A bilingual ability in Spanish is a plus. Legacy Adoption Services is a leading Michigan adoption provider with a legacy of faith and service, formed over four decades ago by Samaritas and Wellspring Lutheran Services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field.
Automobile travel required to support kids and families.
Valid unrestricted driver's license with good driving record.
Valid proof of automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Licensed by the State of Michigan preferred.
CWTI preferred.
One year experience in direct adoption services, child welfare or related services preferred.
Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of recruitment, screening, preparation and assessment of families for adoption; in accordance with all applicable contractual, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and policies.
Coordinate matching and pre-placement process for children and families.
Attend court hearings and case conferences, community and recruitment events.
Work collaboratively with referring foster care staff, other adoption agencies and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Complete all legal requirements for finalization of adoptive placements for state ward adoptions.
Collect, analyze, evaluate and document appropriate data and client progress, as required for record-keeping and reporting within required time frames.
Coordinate placement arrangements with foster parents, including transportation of children as needed.
Provide all required post placement services to assigned caseload of adoptive families.