Foster Care & Adoption Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Performs and functions with a high degree of supervisor involvement. It is expected that the worker would show more independence as he or she develops skills and knowledge. The worker would provide case management to foster and adoptive homes during the initial certification/approval process and would be responsible for completing all re-certifications and updates. The worker will provide case management to children in the agency’s Permanent Custody and/or Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA). The worker will complete adoption activities, relating to these children, through finalization. The worker will participate in foster parent training and recruitment activities. The worker will assist in selecting proper placements for the children into foster and adoptive settings. The worker will be cross trained for other job duties within the unit.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
A. A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or closely related social services degree
B. A Master’s Degree in Social Work is preferred
C. A high degree of knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures and policy.
D. Must have completed or will complete in their first year, Adoption Assessor Tier I training
E. Must have completed or will complete Adoption Assessor Tier II training within 3 years of being in the position and must meet the 2-year requirement to maintain the Adoption Assessor certification.
F. A valid Ohio driver’s license
G. Auto insurance required by law and agency needs
H. Access to private vehicle on a daily basis
DUTIES; KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
I. JOB DUTIES
90% of time
1. Provides case management to assigned foster and/or adoptive homes;
2. Monitors each foster parent assigned to ensure that all training needs are met timely and prior to
recertification activities;
3. Makes monthly home visits to the home to monitor adjustment of children placed in the home and
documents accordingly;
4. Completes initial certification/approval and all re-certification and updates relating to foster and/or adoptive homes, according to Ohio Administrative Code rules;
5. Assists in locating and securing placements (foster, group home, residential) for children in the agency’s custody;
6. Participates in monthly foster/adoptive parent recruitment events and support meetings (e.g. attends meetings, activities, fundraising projects);
7 Hosts training sessions and support groups;
8. Attends meetings and/or court hearings that may be held on a child that is assigned;
Allen County Children Services
Position Description - Page 2
Title: Foster Care & Adoption Specialist
9. Provides case management of PC and/or PPLA cases for children;
10. Completes kinship assessments for the following: incarcerated mothers, requests through ICPC or through other Ohio county PCSA’s, as needed;
10% of time
1. Presents speeches to interested community groups about services the agency provides;
2. Attends workshops, seminars, conferences, in-service training sessions to enhance knowledge of new techniques and methods utilized in child welfare;
3. Participates on committees and workgroups as required and assigned by supervisor;
4. Will have a working knowledge of other job functions within the unit and assist as necessary.
II. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
A. Agency policies and procedures
B. Ohio Administrative Code Rules
C. Interview techniques
D. Counseling (child and family)
E. Social work techniques
F. Court processes and procedures
G. Federal and state documentation procedures
II. SKILLS REQUIRED
A. To assess family functioning, including risk assessment and safety
B. To assess casework intervention skill and effectiveness in helping families
C. To assess casework approach to family centered, neighborhood based service delivery
D. To provide advice and some training for lesser skilled employees – training may be through observation or assisting in quality checks of case records.
E. To work cooperatively with and relate to other units within the agency
F. To work cooperatively with other agencies and professional persons
G. To listen carefully and provide honest, constructive feedback
H. To record, analyze and organize information to meet agency need
I. To communicate effectively both orally and in writing
J. To plan, organize, and prioritize job duties
K. To instruct and motivate employees
L. To provide leadership and instill confidence in employees
M. To operate personal computer
IV. ABILITIES REQUIRED
A. Prepare and present testimony in court;
B. Interpret a variety of instructions in written or oral form;
C. Maintain accurate records;
D. Make sound decisions under stressful circumstances;
E. Recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate actions;
F. Organize groups and lead discussions;
G. Prepare clear and concise documentation and reports, which is accurate at all times and will be a standard for all other less skilled workers;
H. Case records and reports will be complete, current, and meet all agency and state
requirements
I. Being recognized as a skilled worker in Social Services
Allen County Children Services
Position Description - Page 3
Title: Foster Care & Adoption Specialist
Equipment Operated
Computer, ten-key calculator, printer, copier, fax machines
Physically Demanding and Hazardous Working Conditions Inherent in this Job
Physical Demands and Hazardous Working Conditions: The physical demands and hazardous working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of their job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is almost continuously required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may continuously repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times as in typing. The position frequently requires non-stop typing on the computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, such as files or boxes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet deadlines with time constraints and to interact with the public and other workers.
The employee may occasionally come into contact with irate or upset individuals.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment. However, the noise level can vary depending upon daily activity but will still remain within the acceptable noise level range. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff. The employee will be required to meet multiple demands from several people.
Work Hours
Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Some evenings and weekend work may be required. Working hours may vary dependent upon need.
*Due to the additional monthly after hour duties required specifically of this unit, this position is not required to carry the pager but may choose to do so.
Date Revised: 5/26/2021, 8/15/2023,
Date Adopted: 03/22/2017
List titles of positions supervised. If more than eight, list totals only.
SIGNATURE OF AGENCY REPRESENTATIVE DATE
_______________12/28/2023___