What are the responsibilities and job description for the Permanency Adoption Specialist position at Families United Network?
Permanency Specialist – Harrisburg, PA
Help children build safe, stable, and lifelong connections
Families United Network is seeking a Permanency Specialist in our Harrisburg, PA office to
guide children and families through the permanency journey. In this role, you’ll coordinate
services, support foster and adoptive families, and help move children from temporary
placements into safe, lasting homes.
About The Role
As a Permanency Specialist, you will:
We recognize that this work is both meaningful and demanding, and we’re committed to
supporting you with a strong total rewards package, including:
available through our comprehensive benefits program.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who is mission-driven, organized, and comfortable working with a
variety of people and systems.
Preferred qualifications:
Required:
Work environment & physical expectations
This position is based out of our Harrisburg office and includes both office-based and
community-based work:
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
The Essential Functions.
Position details
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week; may include occasional evening hours to
meet family needs
Work Location: In person, based in Harrisburg, PA
Families United Network is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to
building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage individuals with criminal records to apply.
Help children build safe, stable, and lifelong connections
Families United Network is seeking a Permanency Specialist in our Harrisburg, PA office to
guide children and families through the permanency journey. In this role, you’ll coordinate
services, support foster and adoptive families, and help move children from temporary
placements into safe, lasting homes.
About The Role
As a Permanency Specialist, you will:
- Manage a caseload of children with a focus on permanency planning and long-term
- Meet regularly with children, foster/resource families, and birth/adoptive families to
- Develop, update, and implement permanency plans in collaboration with Case Managers
- Coordinate court-related activities, documentation, and reporting related to permanency
- Facilitate family meetings, staffings, and case reviews to keep everyone aligned on next
- Provide education and coaching to families on topics such as trauma, attachment, and
- Partner with county agencies, schools, treatment providers, and community
- Participate in outreach and events that promote permanency
We recognize that this work is both meaningful and demanding, and we’re committed to
supporting you with a strong total rewards package, including:
- 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) covering $4,500 of your $5,000 deductible
- 401(k) plan with 4% employer match
- Generous Paid Time Off (up to 17 days per year)
- 14 paid holidays plus your birthday off
- Paid parental leave
- Volunteer time off to support causes you care about
- Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for professional development
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support
available through our comprehensive benefits program.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who is mission-driven, organized, and comfortable working with a
variety of people and systems.
Preferred qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services or related field (e.g., social work, psychology,
- 2 years of experience working with children, youth, and/or families in social services,
- Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Pennsylvania child welfare and permanency
- Strong communication, documentation, and time-management skills
- Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while building trust with children
Required:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
- Ability to obtain and maintain required clearances (PA Child Abuse, PA State Police, FBI)
- Demonstrated cultural humility and sensitivity, and readiness to work with individuals and
Work environment & physical expectations
This position is based out of our Harrisburg office and includes both office-based and
community-based work:
- Regular computer and desk work, including extended periods of sitting
- Frequent local travel to homes, schools, courts, and community settings
- Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching
- Light lifting, typically up to 10–15 lbs
- Clear communication in person, by phone, and electronically
- Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safety and to maintain the standard of
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
The Essential Functions.
Position details
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week; may include occasional evening hours to
meet family needs
Work Location: In person, based in Harrisburg, PA
Families United Network is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to
building a diverse, inclusive team and encourage individuals with criminal records to apply.