Family Services Specialist II - Adoptions

The City of Richmond Department of Social Services’ Adoption Unit is seeking a highly qualified and compassionate individual to join our team as a Family Services Specialist II. This position provides adoption services to children and families served by the City Department of Social Services.

The Adoption Unit is committed to achieving safe, stable, and permanent homes for children in foster care. Through effective permanency planning and adoption services, the unit works to reduce the number of children remaining in foster care while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

The ideal candidate will be dedicated to supporting children and families, navigating the adoption process, and helping create lasting connections and permanency for children in need.

The anticipated hiring range is $60,320-$78,000.

• Determine eligibility for adoption subsidy maintenance and services;
• Provide supportive counseling to adoptive children and families;
• Provide case management;
• Make appropriate referrals for services to prevent adoption disruption in accordance with state and legal policies;
• Monitor, review, and approve financial transactions within adoption subsidy policy guidelines;
• Maintain data in computer system for administrative reporting purposes. 
• Participates in Mass Care Center operations during incidents or declared emergencies as needed for the duration ofthe event.
• Other related duties as assigned.

**City of Richmond Department of Social Services employees are considered essential personnel may be required to work during inclement weather and times of declared emergencies.**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge in principles and practices in the human services field, including knowledge of programs, social-economic trends, and behaviors that impact the delivery of human services;  and State and local policies and procedures, laws, and regulations.

Demonstrated skills in advocating and counseling; administering individual and family assessments and interpreting results; Interviewing; Case management, including reporting and documenting; and Oral/written communication.

Demonstrated ability in understanding and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and laws; thinking critically; manage time effectively; make sound judgments; problem solve; and analyze, assess, and evaluate data.
 
 
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia)
• Experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

  LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
 

• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

 
PREFERRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong case management skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of community resources available to clients;
• Strong collaborative skills,
• Ability to interpret policy; and the ability to work with a diverse population;
• Prior experience in adoptions search or recruitment process;
• Collaborative experience with both public and non-profit adoption agencies;
• Experience with State adoption policies and processes;
• Knowledge of the FAPT process and local/regional resources for children and families.

Salary : $60,320 - $94,598