Home Study Caseworker

GLADNEY CENTER FOR ADOPTION•Charlotte, NC

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Home Study Caseworker is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of individuals and families seeking to adopt, ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and agency regulations. This role involves evaluating home environments, interviewing prospective adoptive parents, verifying documentation, and preparing detailed reports to support adoption readiness and placement decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field
Two years of experience in child welfare, adoption, foster care, or family services.
One year of experience in conducting home studies or working directly with adoptive or foster families.
Experience or willingness to complete SAFE home studies.
Strong interviewing, assessment, and report-writing skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple cases and deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise the highest level of discretion in handling sensitive information.
Knowledge of adoption laws, trauma-informed care, and child development.
Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with diverse populations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems.
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate family schedules.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related field.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-depth home study assessments for individuals and couples seeking to adopt, ensuring compliance with state, federal, and agency requirements.
Interview prospective adoptive parents and household members to evaluate parenting capacity, motivations for adoption, and overall readiness.
Review and verify required documentation, including background checks, financial statements, medical evaluations, and personal references.
Assess the emotional, physical, and financial stability of the home environment to determine suitability for adoption.
Educate families on the adoption process, including legal requirements, matching procedures, post-placement expectations, and trauma-informed parenting.
Write thorough and objective home study reports that include social histories, evaluations, and recommendations for approval.
Maintain ongoing communication with prospective adoptive families to guide them through the pre-adoption process.
Address concerns or gaps identified during the home study and work with families to develop plans for readiness.
Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and submitted within required timeframes.
Collaborate with legal teams, adoption specialists, and placement coordinators to support matching and placement decisions.
Provide support and referrals for pre-adoption training, counseling, or resources as needed.
Attend trainings, team meetings, and professional development opportunities to remain current on adoption practices and policies.
Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency.