Foster Care/Adoption Specialist

The Foster Care/Adoption Specialist position is a dual-role position. This worker provides adoption services for all assigned cases in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory and/or other accrediting agencies. In addition, this worker also oversees and maintains foster care case responsibilities in coordination and collaboration with the DHHS, the Courts, and other service providers. This worker serves cases statewide with a primary focus on Midland, Gladwin, Bay, Arenac, Isabella, Clare, Saginaw, and Genesee counties based on caseload assignments. This position requires a flexible schedule, including 24 hour/7 day a week, holiday and weekend availability, to assist with specific needs and any client emergencies.

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports directly to the Adoption & Foster Care Supervisor and is under the general supervision of the Adoption and Foster Care Program Manager and the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities as Adoption Worker:

• 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.
• Follow up of adoption inquiries, recruitment of adoptive parents, and registration of youth on MARE before required deadline.
• Communicates with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure proper paperwork is received to proceed with the adoption process.
• Ensures accurate, professional, and timely completion of all Agencyrequired reports, paperwork, and filings.
• Works in coordination with the requirements as dictated per court and the supervising county.
• Attends, conducts, or participates in all case conferences, hearings (court and adoption), assessments, home visits, etc. as required.
• Represents the agency at community meetings; interfaces with the community and other social service agencies as required.
• May be required to facilitate training for adoptive families and foster families
• Maintains contact with perspective adoptive parent(s) on a consistent and regular basis to completion of the adoption process.
• Completes all social work contacts and all reports in MiSACWIS or as required by the Department of Health and Human Services, the court and meets all deadlines. Demonstrates proficiency in writing and communication skills.
• Maintains regular communication with the Foster Care Worker (to include DHHS or Private Agency), the court, the Guardian Ad Litem and Michigan Children’s Institute (MCI) as to the status of the adoption.
• Immediately apprises the appropriate Agency personnel, including the courts of any potential emergency situation (supervisor and/or Child Welfare Director).
• Help plan, participate, and attend the MARE Meet & Greet hosted by Adoption Option Inc.

Responsibilities as Foster Care Specialist:

• Develop individual treatment plans for youth, birth parents, and foster families, and/or other caretakers to ensure safety and wellbeing in achieving permanency.
• Identify and make appropriate referrals for relevant services to meet client’s needs.
• Complete quarterly court reports regarding the family's current progress and overall functioning.
• Attend all court hearings, DHHS meetings, and all relevant case related meetings.
• Conduct case conferences and complete required documentation per DHHS policy
• Meet all deadlines and complete all required paperwork to ensure compliance with MDHHS policies and contract, and DCWL rules and regulations.
• Conduct minimum monthly facetoface home visits with clients.
• Coordinate and ensure sibling visitation occurs monthly.
• Ensure medical and dental services for all foster children are scheduled and maintained by the caregiver; monitor the implementation of these services by the caregiver.
• Provide emergency/oncall interventions after hours, and on holidays/weekends, as needed.
• Fulfill all other case management services for assigned clients and families as required by MDHHS policy and all other duties as assigned.
• Attends Operation Good Cheer

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related Human Service field.

Social Work degree preferred.

Experience: Previous experience working with children and families preferred.

Prior adoption experience working with a child placing agency preferred.

Other Requirements:

Excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills.

Excellent assessment skills.

Prior experience with Microsoft Office or other processing applications/programs.

Satisfactory verification of criminal/abuse checks.

Satisfactory verification of sex offender registry check.

Valid unrestricted driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Reliable transportation.