Adoption Permanency Caseworker/SWAN Worker

Requisition #: req10238

Location: Harrisburg, PA

Hours: Part-time (20-30 hours/week)

This position is part-time 20-30 hours/week.

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As the SWAN Permanency Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for administering the process steps for child profiling, child preparation, child specific recruitment, family profiling, and finalization. This individual will be responsible for providing placement and post placement services for adoptive families in accordance with state licensure, COA, and Bethany standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop home studies and family profiles for initially approved families in accordance with agency expectations and procedures;
• Complete all reports and documents in accordance with agency, program, and licensing expectations to ensure timely and accurate submission;
• Provide placement and post placement services for adoptive families in accordance with state licensure, COA, and Bethany standards;
• Administer the process steps for child profile, child preparation, child specific recruitment, family profile, and finalization;
• Prepare children for permanency through the completion of life books, therapeutic sessions, and other necessary interventions;
• Conduct thorough file reviews to support documentation and work effectively with clients;
• Recruit and screen families for specific children through consultation with the youth, utilization of appropriate media and technology, attendance at matching events, and networking with other child welfare professionals;
• Provide support to families and children post-placement through monthly visits, and thorough and efficient processing of applicable legal paperwork;
• Conduct periodic information meetings and trainings for prospective adoptive parents;
• Attend SWAN and adoption-related meetings and conferences, as requested;
• Coordinate care with the respective local area or county, and other professionals involved in the case to provide efficient and high-quality service;
• Perform essential job duties on some evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college, a plus;
• Experience with writing home studies for domestic adoptions;
• Prior work experience in a child/family welfare;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license and a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment.

We value and embrace the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion; our culture is strengthened and our workplace is more dynamic. We are a global organization with multicultural staff, clients and stakeholders, so we strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. More work remains, but we are deeply committed to honestly acknowledging and addressing the impacts of race and racism throughout the organization. This work can be uncomfortable and even painful, but we believe that the greatest challenges bear the greatest rewards.