Adoption Services Specialist

You must have a Bachelor's degree in one of the following areas OR a Bachelor's degree in a different area  AND a minimum 30 credit hours in one or more of the following areas:

-Behavioral Science, Community Development, Community Services, Counseling (Psychology), Criminal Justice (Administration), Early Childhood Studies, Education, Education of the Emotionally Disturbed, Education of the Gifted, Family Ecology-Spring Arbor University, Family Life Education, Family Studies, Family and/or Child Development, Forensic Psychology, Gerontology, Guidance/School Counseling, Human Development and Family Studies-Michigan State University, Human Services, Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science, Law Enforcement, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Special Education.

Under general supervision of the Program Director, provides adoption services to all assigned cases in compliance with requirements of applicable local, state, and federal regulatory and/or other accrediting agencies.

Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or other related field as required by the State’s licensing guidelines.
2. Experience in a child placing agency preferred.
3. Prior adoption experience preferred.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.
5. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
6. Prior experience with Microsoft Office and related applications or other IBM-compatible word processing program.
7. Reliable transportation.
8. Able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, with “regular” business hours set by the Agency.
9. Able to perform on-call services 24-hours per day, seven days per week to assist Agency consumers and/or provide crisis intervention as required.
10. Satisfaction of all employment eligibility and Agency hiring requirements.

Responsibilities: 

(1.)      Responsible for obtaining permanency for children through adoption by completing all required home studies, appropriate youth and family assessments and other applicable reports and filings as outlined in the adoption contract and/or manual.

 (2.)     Follow up of adoption inquiries, recruitment of adoptive parents, registration of youth on MARE before required deadline.

 (3.)     Communicates with DHS to ensure proper paperwork is received to proceed with the adoption process. 

(4.)      Ensures accurate, professional, and timely completion of all Agency-required reports, paperwork, and filings.

(5.)      Attends, conducts, or participates in all case conferences, hearings (court and adoption), assessments, home visits, etc. as required.

(6.)      Represents the agency at community meetings; interfaces with the community and other social service agencies as required.

(7.)      Immediately apprises the appropriate Agency personnel of any potential emergency situation (supervisor and/or Program Director).

(8.)      May be required to facilitate training for adoptive families and foster families.

(9.)      Provides other Agency-related duties as assigned.