International Social Service Coordinator

Location: Birmingham, AL

Position Status: Full Time

Position Summary: Provides thorough assessment and education for prospective adoptive applicants at crucial times in the international adoption process from Orientation Interview through post adoption.

Primary Duties:

• To be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ to co-workers, clients and ministry partners
• Actively participates on the team in a manner aligned with scripture including, but not limited to, praying for and with other team members, sharing scripture in daily activities and leadership, modeling the character of Jesus Christ in interactions with team and any external clients, partners, vendors, etc.
• Disciples’ ministry partners and clients.
• Aligns team dynamics, internal & external processes, and final product of team’s work with Biblical principles and with Lifeline’s Core Values
• Aligns with International Strategic Objectives
• Adheres to excellent social service standards and practice in compliance with Lifeline’s Core Values and Ministry Goals through consistent support, training and development
• Leads Orientation Interview with local worker for an IN family, and leads orientation interview alone with OON families utilizing interviewing as a main tool for quality social casework
• Uploads completed OI document to SAM and completes/sends triggered OI approval email to RPM.
• Will inform International Process Coordinator on the timing of the home study review process and will inform International Social Services Coordinator and Director of Social Services of any areas of concern.
• Collaborate with the local team throughout the Home Study on any concerns both for local assessment and country requirements.
• Will provide thorough review of the home study prior to finalization paying close attention to country requirements, Hague requirements, arrest documentation and additional adults in the home. This is not an all inclusive list.
• When needed, addresses Request for Evidence notices received from USCIS in collaboration with the local team and the International Process Coordinator.
• Assess throughout a family’s process if a Home Study update is needed for changes. Work with the local team and International Process Coordinator when a Home Study update is needed for an immigration extension. Complete a thorough review of the Home Study Update Prior to finalizing.
• Complete the file review process and documentation if a file is determined to be a fit for the family in order to present the file to the family.
• Will lead the PAPs through the matching process. This includes completing the file presentation document, referral counseling document, and guiding a family through child-specific education.
• Complete Referral Update documentation on all children that are matched with a family in the program. Ensure that all updates are maintained and documented in the Referral Update Form. This must be done in a timely manner along with communicating updated information with the PAPs.
• Communicate with the International Process Coordinator when a family is in country. Will provide in-country travel support as needed by the family.
• Conduct country specific reviews for post reports and communicate with the local team on any necessary edits.
• Assist with post crisis, as needed. The local and international post team should primarily manage these calls and crises, however, this role will, at times, need to be made aware of the crisis to ensure country communication has taken place.
• Work with International Leadership on child specific education needs, including creating LEP courses for specific regional resources.
• Seeks social service supervision from the Director of International Social Services as needed.
• Assists the RPM with various tasks as assigned
• Support for general International Adoption projects, including but not limited to recruiting families for adoption
• Special projects as needed by the team or agency
• Practice casework with social work ethical standards as established by the agency, through regular attendance at training and meetings.
• Provides professional assessment of interpersonal relationships, family dynamics and environmental stresses and support to conduct international home studies and post placement/adoption reports for families when a local caseworker is unavailable.
• Participates and assists with agency related events, including, but not limited to: the Annual Staff Retreat, Rooted in Love conferences, Run For One, Lifeline Golf Tournaments, Lifeline Annual Banquets and anniversary celebrations.
  
  
  

Other Duties:

• Assisting in agency-related events, including the annual staff retreat, the annual dinner, anniversary celebrations, across all Lifeline programs
• Maintains good relationships with co-workers, including solving all disputes in a Biblically prescribed fashion
• Represents the agency in a professional manner in and away from the office.
• Encourages and supports church engagement efforts, including live presence opportunities, adoption information meetings, and biblical teaching on caring for vulnerable children.
• If qualified by the state, conduct home studies, post placement/adoption reports or other related adoption services for families in your geographical area when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or member of the Executive team
  
  
  

All roles at Lifeline are designed to function as a flexible, team-based position. While primary responsibilities are outlined, employees may be asked to support additional programs, service areas, or initiatives based on organizational needs, workload/caseload demands, and supervisor direction. Any additional duties will be consistent with the employee’s training, licensure, role classification, and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status and will not fundamentally change the nature of the position.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, required; Masters degree, preferred
• At least 2 years work experience in child-placing environment
• Licensed Social Worker, required
• Must lift at least 25lbs, must have reliable transportation
  
  
  

Work Environment:

• Central Office location unless outside the guidelines of the Remote Worker Policy
  
  
  

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Posted 7/20/26