Post Adoption Specialist

Children's Network of Hillsborough • Egypt Lake-Leto, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

To provide ongoing support and case management for children and families with finalized adoptions. This position provides direct support to families who have adopted special needs children and need case management or service delivery, while adhering to relevant legal and policy requirements governing adoptions. The purpose is to evaluate, coordinate and ensure that the necessary services and treatment are provided, complete required contact with adoptive families and document in the case record, and provide educational and networking opportunities through support groups.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum of two (2) years of child welfare related experience OR an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field
• Must have a working knowledge of community services in the local five (5) county area. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships is also a must
• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance, and a clean driver’s check
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• The ability to read, understand, and effectively communicate child welfare policies and procedures is essential.
• Demonstrates strong mathematical skills essential for analyzing data, managing budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency.
• Must exhibit strong reasoning abilities to evaluate complex cases, assess barriers to permanency, and develop effective strategies for resolution.

Nice To Haves

• Child welfare certification is preferred
• Adoption Competency training (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Contact adoptive families within 60 days of the adoption finalization hearing to assess their adjustment and needs
• During the first six months of adoption finalization, after the initial contact within 60 days, contact the family at least once (by phone or in person) and check on their progress and assess their needs
• Contact adoptive families by phone one year following the adoption finalization hearing to inquire how things are going and assess their needs
• Facilitate quarterly adoption support groups for adoptive families which may include but are not limited to social activities, training, and information on community services
• Respond to incoming post adoption inquiries
• Respond to abuse investigations received on post adoption families by contacting the assigned Child Protective Investigator to share information and the adoptive family to see assess their needs
• Process all annual surveys for families who adopted a child with jurisdiction from Lee County
• Research requests from adoptive families and make recommendations to the Adoption Specialist as to the need for additional services (enhanced subsidy or other services)
• Refer adoptive families to community services based on their needs
• Attend pre-service training for potential adoptive parents as needed to introduce families to the supports and services provided by the position post adoption finalization
• Assist in any case where the adoption is at risk of disruption or dissolution by referring for services to help avoid the disruption/dissolution
• Assist in recruitment and retention activities
• Complete timely adoption home studies pursuant to the requirements of law and DCF and CNHC policies for families expressing an interest in adopting children with characteristics of children in care and available for adoption as defined by Florida Administrative Code
• Ensure FSFN is updated with 2 business days to reflect any changes reported by the adoptive family
• Display understanding of, and sensitivity to, service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics
• Provide documentation and data on adoption activities
• Conduct home visits to ensure engagement and progress of children/families, as needed
• Adherence of all data collection into FSFN
• Produce periodic reports as requested
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested

What This Job Offers

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