Infant Adoption Specialist

Requisition #: req9857

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (Hybrid)

Hours: Full-time (40 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.

The Domestic Infant Adoption Specialist is primarily responsible for conducting quality family assessments, along with placement and post placement supervision in compliance with agency guidelines, and state licensing requirements. This individual is also responsible for ensuring the utilization of the best resources for children are available and entrusted for the adoption placement.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive case management from intake, case assignment, child and family assessment, through adoptive placement and supervision of legal confirmation;
• Positively promote Bethany’s adoption program by participating in speaking engagements at high schools and other community groups, as requested;
• Review pre-adoptive applications and assess the qualifications of the potential adoptive families;
• Facilitate training sessions designed to help adoptive families meet licensing requirements;
• Periodically conduct adoption group informational meetings for prospective families interested in adoption orientation and/or support;
• Perform home studies for initially approved families in accordance with agency expectations and procedures;
• Assist in adoption planning sessions, along with other adoption and birth parent counseling staff;
• Administer placements of children according to policies for families that have been studied and approved for adoptive placements;
• Provide post adoptive supervision of children in placement during the supervisory year;
• Submit post placement reports in a timely manner and ensure adoptions closings are completed by the recommended schedule by the court;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, and to review case plan and direction;
• Effectively organize and manage time to ensure all reports and documents are completed on time and included in the appropriate adoption record;
• Actively participate in the on-call system as scheduled by program needs;
• Attend training as needed and apply newly gained knowledge to provided service;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Human Services, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
• At least one (1) year of experience in child welfare, strongly preferred;
• Obtain and maintain the appropriate professional licensure and registration within the program’s respective state;
• Demonstrated ability with providing excellent clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Active motor vehicle license and maintain a reliable vehicle 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.