FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION SPECIALIST

CHILD CRISIS ARIZONA•Mesa, AZ

About The Position

Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has been a symbol of hope, responding to the call of our community to prevent and intervene in child abuse and neglect. With unwavering dedication, we have nurtured and strengthened families, evolving our programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. Our mission is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect by creating strong and successful families. The Foster Care and Adoption Specialist is ready to hire a Foster Care and Adoption position to join our team. We are looking for compassionate, energetic, and dependable individuals that are committed supporting families and improving the lives of youth in Foster Care. This position involves fostering positive relationships with colleagues and personnel, adhering to professional methods and DCS policies to meet client needs, compiling data and reports as necessary, and maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards. It requires continual professional development through workshops, in-service trainings, and participation in various team meetings and events. Responsibilities include conducting home visits, preparing reports, ensuring record accuracy, and facilitating family support services, including linkage to appropriate resources. The role also involves using independent judgment to problem-solve and make decisions in the best interest of children and families, while maintaining compliance with state regulations and contractual obligations. Additionally, cultural sensitivity and awareness are integral to the role, as is the demonstration of knowledge in case management and referral to relevant programs and services.

Requirements

Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Ability to prioritize and administrate multiple projects concurrently
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work quickly and efficiently
Accurate and thorough
Strong initiative
Change adaptive and flexible
Sympathetic to the mission of the organization
Education must consist of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related human services field AND a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a human services field
Must have experience in word processing in a Windows environment
Must be able to display verbal and written communication skills that meet the requirements of the position and needs of clients
Must complete a minimum of 14 hours of professional development training annually
Must maintain knowledge on Title 21 and attachment and bonding curriculum
Must complete Quick Connect state data collection training
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must possess valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card or be able to obtain one prior to employment
Must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License
Must have a clean driving record for past 5 years

Responsibilities

Establishes and maintains good working relationships with co-workers and other personnel through demonstrating an attitude of cooperation and understanding
Provides services using professionally accepted methods within DCS policies and in accordance with the needs and goals of the client
Compiles data and reports to fulfill contract requirements or as requested
Maintains confidentiality regarding client’s identity and problems so as not to violate the professional code of ethics
Assumes responsibility for professional growth by attending workshops and classes, reading and utilizing in-service trainings and supervisory conferences
Participates in Child and Family Teams, Team Decision Making and other staffing as required
Responsible for ensuring culturally sensitive and appropriate services
Serves as a networker / connection to families as appropriate
Attends FCA (Foster Care and Adoption) family events
Participates in FCA recruitment events
Conducts supportive and monitoring home visits for families
Prepares licensing and adoption certification home study reports
Ensures that records and documentation on assigned cases are current
Supports foster families in completing their Billing Form to verify placement dates of children in their home
Collaborates with family, DCS, and BHS in identifying needs to assist in securing appropriate services.
Advocates with family, BHS, and DCS to request a Child and Family Team (CFT) or Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting if it appears that a disruption is a possibility or if the family requires additional support
Maintains contact and monitors family as required by contract and needs of the families
Represents families at family selection meetings
Inputs family data into Extended Reach and Quick Connect Systems
Uses independent judgment to demonstrate the ability to problem solve and make decisions in the best interest of the children, the family, and the agency
Compiles client files in accordance with required contractual obligations and established procedures including significant documentation necessary for continuity of service
Assesses family needs and provides developmentally appropriate information, guidance, parenting information, life skills, and support that meet the needs of each family
Inspects home to ensure compliance with DCS regulations
Works with DCS and OLR to make a determination if home is safe for youths to be placed in
Works directly with family to draft a family support plan
Using DCS regulations, works with AZ court system to make determination if family meets the qualifications as a potential adoptive family
Demonstrates appropriate level of knowledge, provides case management, works with DCS to coordinate services and discovers and shares community resources with families and their team members
Demonstrates knowledge of community programs and services
Models Center’s expectation for sensitivity and competency relating to diversity and cultural awareness
Performs other duties, as assigned