Foster Care Adoptions Specialist

Bethany Christian Services USA • Southfield, MI

3d

About The Position

Bethany Christian Services is a faith-based organization working to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. The Foster Care Adoptions Specialist supports the agency’s adoption services by assessing children and prospective adoptive families, coordinating adoption planning and placements, and providing post-placement supervision. The role works with children, foster and adoptive parents, foster care workers, DHS referral sources, community agencies, and other partners to promote children’s best interests and deliver services consistent with state licensing requirements, contracts, and agency procedures.

The specialist also participates in court hearings, training, adoption events, community outreach, and program development. The position requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed, along with timely completion of case documentation and reports. The specific responsibilities may vary with program and departmental needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or an equivalent field from an accredited college.
• At least one year of experience in a child welfare agency.
• Ability to engage, develop, and maintain positive community relationships with a diverse group of individuals.
• Excellent interviewing, observation, diagnostic, and family assessment skills.
• High motivation and ability to take initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions, including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, with at least three years of driving experience in the U.S., to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage.
• Must pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries.
• Must subscribe to and integrate the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Human Services or an equivalent field from an accredited college.
• Experience with the MiSACWIS database.

Responsibilities

• Assess pre-adoptive children and families.
• Conduct periodic educational and preparatory group meetings for pre-adoptive families.
• Process case assignments and complete child and adoptive family assessments according to agency expectations and procedures.
• Participate in adoptive planning and advocate for each child’s best interests using 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 and foster and adoptive families for adoption, and conduct pre-adoptive visits with appropriate families.
• Conduct adoptive placements with approved families in accordance with contracts and agency expectations.
• Ensure adoption services meet state licensing requirements.
• Provide at least quarterly post-placement supervision contacts with adoptive families and children.
• Manage time and complete reports and documents promptly.
• Attend required court hearings.
• Meet regularly with a supervisor to consult on case reviews, case plans, direction, and progress.
• Participate in OCA adoption events and other required meetings.
• Complete training required by state licensing, DHS, COA, and agency mandates, and apply newly gained knowledge to services.
• Promote Bethany’s adoption services in the community, including public relations contacts as requested.
• Work flexibly outside normal business hours, including some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Communicate effectively with community agencies and individuals involved in service provision.
• Participate in program development and planning as requested by a supervisor.
• Participate in Bethany-sponsored events when required or asked.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility.
• Generous time off, including 11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, and separate sick and paid absence banks.
• Education reimbursement for those who qualify.
• 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