Foster Care Adoption Specialist

Bethany Christian Services USA • Kalamazoo, MI

13h • $23 - $25

About The Position

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact. Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a Foster Care Adoption Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or equivalent field of study from an accredited college.
• Must possess the ability to engage, develop, and maintain positive community relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
• Must possess excellent interviewing, observation, diagnostic, and family assessment skills.
• Must be highly motivated and able to take initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change.
• Must have an ability to work flexible work hours to include some evenings and weekends.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage.
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Human Services or equivalent field of study from an accredited college, a plus.
• At least two (2) years of adoption experience in a child welfare agency, preferred.
• At least one (1) year of experience supervising others for Lead FCA Specialist, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide thorough assessments for pre-adoptive children and families.
• Conduct periodic adoptive educational and preparational group meetings for pre-adoptive families to ensure appropriate resources for referred children.
• Process case assignments and complete child and adoptive family assessments in accordance with agency expectations and procedures.
• Participate in adoptive planning for referred children, advocating for the child's best interest through available adoptive family resources.
• Coordinate pre-adoptive planning with foster care workers, foster and adoptive parents and DHS referral sources, including MARE, when necessary.
• Prepare children, foster and adoptive families for adoption, and conduct pre-adoptive visitation of referred children with appropriate families.
• Conduct adoptive placements for referred children with approved families in accordance to contract and agency expectations.
• Ensure quality adoptions services within state licensing requirements.
• Provide a minimum of quarterly post-placement supervision contacts with adoptive families and children.
• Organize and manage time to insure reports and documents are completed in a timely fashion.
• Attend required court hearings.
• Meet regularly with supervisor to consult on case review case plan and direction, and to evaluate progress.
• Lead FCA Specialist - mentor new staff and Case Managers in alignment with DHHS policy (if applicable).
• Lead FCA Specialist - assist with programmatic activities as defined by the Foster Care Adoption Supervisor (if applicable).
• Participate in FCA adoption events and other meetings as required.
• Attend required training hours per state licensing, DHS, COA, and agency mandates.
• Attend training to apply newly gained knowledge in proving services.
• Promote Bethany's adoption services within the community, including public relations contacts, as requested.
• Demonstrate flexibility with working hours outside of the normal business hours to meet the needs of the role to include some evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Maintain effective communication with community agencies or individuals involved in service provision.
• Participate in program development and planning as requested by supervisor.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employer paid long-term disability and group term life insurance

What This Job Offers

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