Adoptions & Permanency Worker - Full time

Northern Children's Services • Philadelphia, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Join our team as a Full-time Adoptions and Permanency Worker and help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families! We believe that every child and youth has the potential to transform themselves – no matter their background or life situation. We work to “walk the talk” when it comes to our organizational values: Excellence, Respect, Resilience, Cultural Humility & Justice, Healing, and Wellness. At Northern Children’s Services, Inc., we value diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of every individual. Join us in our mission to empower children and families, one meaningful interaction at a time. Northern Children's Services supports the healthy development of children and youth, while stabilizing their families to build stronger communities. Everything we do at Northern Children's Services is designed to create a better future for our 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").

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management to youth and families pursuing adoption or permanency.
• Provide adoptive families with consultation and training regarding the adoption process.
• Ensure continuous program compliance through the completion of timely submission of SWAN units.
• Adhere to changing policies as it pertains to the duties of the program.
• Effectively manage a caseload of SWAN units consisting of – Child Profiles, Family Profiles, Family Matching, Placement, Child Preparation, Child Specific Recruitment, Adoption Finalization, and Post-Permanency Services.
• Clearly and effectively communicate all pertinent information to all involved parties as required by state and local regulations and agency standards.
• Advocate for the needs of the consumer and resource family to obtain needed resources.
• Participate in weekly supervision with Adoptions/Permanency Supervisor or Director.
• Complete 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.
• Schedule file reviews and visits at times convenient for all involved parties.
• Manage time to complete both direct service requirements, paperwork and prepare for meetings.
• Work jointly with other agencies to ensure continuity of service on behalf of the consumer and resource family.
• Prepare adequately for weekly supervision to ensure case reviews occur on a consistent basis.
• Attend and complete all required trainings and pursue other training for professional growth.
• Represent 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) offers confidential referral and counseling services.
• Self-funded legal services provide valuable support and resources for various legal matters.

What This Job Offers

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