State Adoption Specialist

Description

Position Summary: 

The State Adoption Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management of a caseload of state adoption cases involving children legally free for adoption within the child welfare system. This position ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, licensing, and contractual requirements while providing assessment, case management, recruitment, and support services to children and adoptive families. Services are delivered in alignment with strength-based practice and the mission of Hands Across The Water. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a human behavioral science, education, or related field 
• Experience working in a professional setting with youth and families 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing demands 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound judgment 
• Ability to handle stress and adapt to changing circumstances 
• Strong clinical observation, assessment, and evaluation skills 
• Commitment to strength-based, family-centered practice and permanency for children 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

Direct Service / Program Responsibilities 

• Assess and evaluate prospective adoptive families using MDHHS-approved tools, documentation, and procedures 
• Assist families in gathering and completing required documentation for family assessments 
• Assess and evaluate children’s individual needs and permanency goals, advocating for outcomes that best meet those needs 
• Provide case management services for children awaiting adoption, including those in foster care or temporary court ward status as assigned 
• Maintain monthly contact with assigned families and youth 
• Develop and implement family-specific training, education plans, and support services 
• Coordinate pre-placement and post-placement support and connect families with community resources 
• Carry a full-time caseload of up to 15 adoption cases, with additional foster care responsibilities as needed 

Recruitment and Permanency Efforts 

• Conduct active recruitment efforts to identify appropriate adoptive families for children who are unmatched 
• Collaborate with Recruitment and Retention staff and community partners to identify permanency options 
• Participate in community events, coalitions, and outreach efforts to promote adoption services 

Compliance and Documentation 

• Maintain compliance with State of Michigan policies, regulations, and required timeframes for all case activities 
• Prepare and submit court reports, adoption petitions, consent packets, and subsidy documentation 
• Attend court hearings and provide written and verbal testimony as required 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in MiSACWIS and paper files 
• Participate in periodic case file audits and ensure corrective actions as needed 

Collaboration and Communication 

• Maintain effective working relationships with DHHS, DCWL, MARE, licensing consultants, community partners, and internal staff 
• Attend all meetings related to assigned cases, including family team meetings and court proceedings 
• Collaborate with coworkers and other agency departments to ensure coordinated service delivery 

Training Requirements: 

• Completion of CWTI Pre-Service Institute (PSI) training (480 hours) 
• Completion of CWTI Program-Specific Transfer Training (PSTT), if applicable, within the first year of employment 
• Successful completion of all competency-based evaluations prior to carrying an independent caseload 
• Completion of all agency-mandated orientation and ongoing training requirements 
• Ongoing professional development of a minimum of 32 hours per year, or as required by contract or licensing standards 

Work Environment and Schedule: 

This position requires a combination of in-office, remote, and community-based work, including in-home services. Significant travel is required. Work may occur during non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends. Participation in an on-call rotation is required. Limited remote work may be available after the initial training period of six months, depending on program and agency needs. 

Physical Requirements: 

This position requires the ability to: 

• Operate a motor vehicle and transport children as needed 
• Install car seats and safely place children in them 
• Navigate homes and community environments, including climbing stairs, bending, and crouching 
• Sit, stand, and move for extended periods 
• Utilize standard office equipment and computer systems 

Employment Responsibilities: 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and provide proof of automobile insurance 
• Must not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, or a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire 
• Must not be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect 
• Must comply with all background check and licensing requirements applicable to the position 

Commitment to Mission and Values: 

The State Adoption Specialist will follow and uphold the agency’s Vision and Mission Statement, including its commitment to inclusion, diversity, and strength-based services. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 

Hands Across The Water does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or any matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, height, weight, familial or marital status, mental or physical ability, socioeconomic status, military service obligation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.