Director of Adoptions

Youth and Family Alternatives•Fort Lauderdale, FL

About The Position

Directs and manages one regional adoption case management program within the organization. Accountable for full operational, functional, and budgetary aspects of program to the Vice President of Child Welfare. In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required training, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

Requirements

BA degree: MSW/MA preferred
Case management certification required
Subject matter expertise in Foster Care and Adoptions
8+ years’ experience in a human service organization
5+ years shall have been in administrative/program management
3+ years preferred in direct service
Ability to support and enhance budgetary, human resources, program, and organizational goals and outcomes.
Ability to interact with community/professional leaders and maintain relationships/networks within regional service areas.
Ability to work at an elevated level of autonomy and exhibit sound decision-making skills.
Ability to work as a team member in collaboration with partner organizations under the guidance of the designated lead agency.
Ability to interpret and utilize data to drive strong performance outcomes.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills
Ability to facilitate large groups and the varied group dynamics that may arise.
Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors.
Ability to work cooperatively in a group or team setting.
Ability to adapt and function effectively as both a leader and a contributing team member.
Skilled in actively listening to concerns, providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves without judgment or blame.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites

Nice To Haves

MSW/MA preferred
3+ years preferred in direct service
Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Responsibilities

Support the Vice President of Child Welfare in all aspects of program growth through strategic and operations planning guidance and by ensuring that required infrastructure is in place.
Oversee the administration of adoption services, which includes but not limited to, case assignment, staffings, client case files, compliance with documentation and maintenance of FSFN/CCWIS.
Ensure that established adoption targets, outcome measures, service, and quality standards are met and exceeded.
Provide leadership and direction in the implementation of short and long-range goals; coordinates unit activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
Ensure a high level of effective communication between YFA and ChildNet staff, as well as children, families, and community stakeholders.
As directed by the Vice President of Child Welfare, participate on community/regional committees, workgroups, collaborative teams, and organizations as required and/or appropriate within the region.
Develop, direct, plan, coach, and mentor the Adoption Supervisors to promote safety, well-being, and permanency in a safe and expeditious manner in accordance with Florida Statutes, Administrative Code, COA standards, and YFA policies and procedures.
Develope innovative initiatives to enhance internal efficiency and effectiveness within the adoption teams.
Evaluate efficiency and effective delivery of unit functions; provides recommendations for improvement or modifications to current policies and operational procedures; effects change as needed to improve service delivery.
Represent YFA in meetings and interacting with various community stakeholders to provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction in the implementation of YFA’s local strategic plans.
Maintain current knowledge of legislative changes, issues, trends, and developments relevant to child welfare practices for application to functional areas under charge to ensure compliance.
Respond and provide resolutions to inquiries and concerns from clients, the community, and other departments.
Provide recommendations to the Vice President of Child Welfare for the hire, termination, transfer, and promotion of employees.
Complete performance appraisals for employees that report directly to the Director of Adoptions.
Identify and counsel employees that do not perform their duties or conduct themselves in accordance with YFA’s policies using the performance correction process.
Recognize, respect, and respond to the unique, culturally defined needs of others served.
Be familiar with Florida Statute, Administrative Code 65C-16, and CFOP 170-12 adoption procedures.
Work in collaboration with the lead agency to overcome system barriers to adoption finalization.
Responsible for the recruitment, retention, and training of all staff.
Participate in the 24-hour emergency on call system and ensure all employees meet standards for participation in on call procedures.
Provide ongoing timely information to the lead agency and other key stakeholders.
Ensure ongoing supervisor reviews and consultations are completed within policy guidelines. All reviews will ensure child safety, well-being, and permanency of assigned children.
Participate in quality improvement activities to drive strong program performance. Provide ongoing case monitoring and participate in ongoing file review monitoring.
Ensure timeliness in submission of data and reports as required and related to applicable services.
Respond timely to all requests by YFA or the lead agency in relation to the Department of Children and Families or other inquiries, media coverage and events, and client complaints or other critical incidents that require information on an emergency or as needed basis.