Adoptions & Permanency Worker - Full time

Northern Children's Services • Philadelphia, PA

2d • $45,000 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Northern Children's Services is seeking a full-time Adoptions and Permanency Worker to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families. The organization is dedicated to supporting the healthy development of children, youth, and families for a brighter future, believing that every child and youth has the potential to transform themselves. Northern Children's Services operates with core values of Excellence, Respect, Resilience, Cultural Humility & Justice, Healing, and Wellness. This role offers opportunities for leadership, a supportive environment, empowerment, effective communication, planning, continuous monitoring, documentation excellence, and networking. The Adoptions/Permanency Worker, under the direction of the Supervisor or Director, is responsible for comprehensive case management for youth and families pursuing adoption or permanency. This includes providing consultation and training to adoptive families, ensuring program compliance through timely submission of SWAN units, adhering to policies, and managing a caseload involving various SWAN units such as Child Profiles, Family Profiles, Family Matching, Placement, Child Preparation, Child Specific Recruitment, Adoption Finalization, and Post-Permanency Services. The organization is committed to diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of every individual, aiming to empower children and families.

Requirements

• Good working knowledge of the Child Welfare System. Knowledge of and ability to navigate other systems.
• Working knowledge of the use of computers and pertinent software programs.
• Ability to read and understand complex instructions such as regulatory policies.
• Ability to give clear and concise oral and written instructions.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to communicate and interact with all staff.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, consumers, vendors, and the public.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field required
• 1-2 years’ experience in related field highly Preferred
• Experience working in child welfare for 1-2 years preferred
• Possess knowledge of trauma related issues regarding children living outside their birth family.
• Use emotional intelligence: Respond with empathy and awareness, even in difficult situations.
• Communicate effectively: Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid judgmental language.
• Understand trauma’s impact: Be aware that clients or colleagues may react based on past experiences, not just the present moment.
• Apply person-first, strengths-based language: Focus on people’s strengths and abilities rather than defining them by their challenges (e.g., saying "a person experiencing homelessness" instead of "a homeless person").

Nice To Haves

• 1-2 years’ experience in related field highly Preferred
• Experience working in child welfare for 1-2 years preferred

Responsibilities

• Clearly and effectively communicates all pertinent information to all involved parties as required by state and local regulations and agency standards.
• Advocates for the needs of the consumer and resource family to obtain needed resources.
• Participates in weekly supervision with Adoptions/Permanency Supervisor or Director.
• Completes all required documentation that coincides with the specific SWAN unit timeframe in a timely manner.
• Document all case contact with identified consumer, birth family, kinship/resource parents, and other relevant parties on a weekly basis, through the SWAN portal time and cost of specific SWAN unit in using agency guidelines and format.
• Schedules file reviews and visits at times convenient for all involved parties.
• Manages time to complete both direct service requirements, paperwork and prepare for meetings.
• Works jointly with other agencies to ensure continuity of service on behalf of the consumer and resource family.
• Prepares adequately for weekly supervision to ensure case reviews occur on a consistent basis.
• Attends and completes all required trainings and pursues other training for professional growth.
• Represents the agency at SWAN quarterlies, conference meetings and trainings.
• Participate in performance improvement activities.
• Completes other Duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
• $20,000 life insurance policy through Mutual of Omaha Company at no cost.
• Mutual of Omaha LTD coverage and AD&D insurance.
• Range of self-funded insurance plans, including accident insurance, cancer insurance, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and short-term disability insurance.
• 401(k)-savings plan with a generous matching contribution after one year of employment.
• Generous paid time off or sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential referral and counseling services.
• Self-funded legal services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level