Adoptions Specialist

Family Support Services•Largo, FL

53d

About The Position

Adoptions Specialist Join our team at FSS and enjoy comprehensive benefits including but not limited to: Tuition Reimbursement Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Well-Being Program Paid Time Off (PTO) Bereavement Leave 12 Paid Holidays Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage Employee Discounts 401k Plan with 3% Employer Contribution The mission of Family Support Services is to be the leader in providing safety, stability, and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit. Job Summary: This position is responsible for coordination of adoption activities. The position serves as the technical expert in child welfare adoptions. Also serves as a lead agency liaison for adoption related matters; handling inquiries and/or concerns made to the Lead Agency regarding the adoption process, disseminating adoption as needed to the case management agencies, providing adoption technical assistance, working directly with providers of adoption related services and coordination, review and approval of any adoption subsidy payments that exceed 100% of the foster care board rate. This position also facilitates problem resolution, assists with process information and disseminates resource contact information as needed.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in social work or related human services field required.
Requires a minimum of three years child welfare experience.
Valid drivers license.
Current Child Welfare Case Manager Certification.
Represent self and the organization in a professional manner
Work independently with little direct supervision
Interpret statutes, policies, contracts, and administrative rule requirements as related to program area
Assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/decisions
Research, organize and analyze data
Solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
Maintain a professional working relationship with outside agencies
Work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
Follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
Speak effectively before small and large groups
Calculate figures and amounts
Maintain confidential information
Knowledge of: Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Rules, and policies that regulate the adoption process
Skills: Strong Written and Verbal Communication
Strong follow-up and follow through
Strong organizational and time management
Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word
Clear a Level II background screening
Clear a reference check (professional and personal)
Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside
Clear a substance abuse screen
Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment
Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check
Proof of personal auto insurance coverage in the amount of $100,000/$300,000 or greater if not insurable under company's automobile policy
Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify)

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to staff with 2-year background in child welfare adoptions.

Responsibilities

Track, on an on-going basis, all children receiving services, who are permanently committed to the custody of the Department, with a goal of adoption and lead agency outcomes related to adoption finalization, to include stratifying data related to adoption targets/performance by case management agency.
Ensure that the lead agency has data to support how well a child is navigating towards adoption to include the child’s status, specific barriers to achieving timely adoption finalization and efforts to effectively address and eliminate barriers.
Coordinate with FSS staff and/or community partners directly responsible for adoptive home recruitment and participates directly or indirectly in all activities that promote community awareness of the adoptions program and the need for adoptive families.
Assist in developing and maintaining policies and procedures for adoption and related services while maintaining compliance with all child welfare laws, policies and procedures governing adoption and related services.
Provide technical assistance and training to all adoption related staff working for the case management providers.
Facilitate adoption specific pre-adoptive family training and monthly information meeting.
Work collaboratively to plan recruitment events for waiting children.
Other duties as needed