Adoption Specialist

Job Description
In accordance with the Agency's mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of

Michigan licensing and COA standards; the Foster Care/Adoption Specialist is responsible for providing direct foster

care treatment services and case management services to assigned clients. Furthermore, is responsible for

preparation services.

*TASKS OF THE POSITION*
Implements and monitors quality individual, group, and/or family counseling according to specific treatment plans.

Serves as a liaison and client advocate with the court, funding, referring/referral agencies and schools.

Completes all required paperwork, (e.g. updated assessments/treatments plans, case notes, phone logs, court

reports and utilization review reports).

Provides face-to-face contact with assigned clients, per contract requirements.

Schedules, organizes and attends Family Team Meetings.

Participates in scheduled case conferences with collaborating agency.

Maintains a flexible work schedule that provides accessibility that supports the needs of the community based

environment.

Provides education and support, regarding needs of clients, for foster parents and planning families.

Develops and revises strategies and diverse treatment plans for assigned clients according to each client's

individual needs.

Participates in on-call rotation for foster families and planning families.

Provide a range of adoption preparation services to abused and neglected children and their families.

Assess children's current and long terms needs

Assess appropriateness of families for adoption.

Develop child specific recruitment plans.

Secure adoption and medical subsidies.

Prepare adoption legal papers.

Ensure each child's safety and permanence needs are monitored.

Participate in community meetings and recruitment events as needed.

Provide information and recommendations to the Family Court in legal proceedings.

Assist families with post adoption referrals.

Maintains a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the adoptive parent(s).

Participates in continuous quality improvement efforts.

Stays informed of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training

opportunities to ensure continual professional competence.

Plans and organizes work to meet all requirements according to agency and COA standards, licensing and

funding requirements.

Prepares for and participates in individual supervision, team meetings, and other agency meetings regularly.

Works with Vista Maria programs and community agencies/resources to provide referrals, resources and related

services to clients.

Performs all other duties as required or requested by the agency.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of social work and service administration.

Good moral character

Available transportation and valid driver's license

Good interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills

Good knowledge of community resources

Knowledge of DHS and court requirements

Ability to observe, recognize, analyze, and report on individual's behavioral, attitudinal, emotional, and social

problems, and the ability to develop a plan of action for resolution.

Ability to evaluate program quality and effectiveness as they relate to an individual's or a group's needs,

recommending modifications when appropriate.

Ability to work independently in the field and to use team resources/supervision to enhance performance.

Ability to assess client mental health symptoms and service needs.

Ability to be flexible in prioritizing in a changing system.

Demonstrated personal integrity and professional demeanor in accordance with the ethics of the agency and

profession.

Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills to compose and/or edit written materials.

Knowledge of current practice developments within the profession, and uses educational and training opportunities

to ensure continual professional competence.

Ability to work cooperatively and in collaboration to establish rapport with Vista Maria staff and representatives of

other agencies, foster care families, planning family and schools.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (continued)
Demonstrated skills in organization, priority/time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Demonstrated ability to interact positively in a culturally diverse environment and to deal effectively with various

levels of Vista Maria personnel, outside customers and community groups.

Demonstrated computer literacy skills at least in Word programs.

*SMART GOALS*

• Maintains weekly contacts as appropriate (i.e. phone calls, meetings, letters, etc.) with schools, DHS/CMS, lead

agency, and mental health agency to ensure that all children assigned receive the level of advocacy that is required

to meet the needs (socially, educationally, physically/medically, emotionally, and cognitively) of each child. All

documentation is created and filed in child file within one week.

• Maintains face-to-face contact with clients, per contract requirements. Forms to be filled out are face-to-face

counseling note, first appointment of each month; mini case notes for all other visits; group notes as appropriate.

• Provides on-going education/support/coaching to foster parents at a minimum at the monthly visit and document

the specifics of the session.

• Monitors medication, weekly, and picks up medication log monthly for filing in client's chart.
• No substantiated complaints regarding personal interactions within the agency and community.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This job has no supervisory experience.

*QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION / TRAINING)*
Required:

Bachelor's degree in human services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from an accredited

school.

One year of experience working with children and families.

One (1) year of experience in foster care or adoption.

State registration or licensure as required by licensing for funding.

A valid Michigan driver's license without relevant restrictions.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in human services, such as counseling, social work, psychology, etc., from and accredited

school, and some knowledge of mental issues, treatment concepts and experiences in their implementation with

children and/or families.

1-2 years same or similar experience.

Experience with Licensing Rules for Adoption in the State of Michigan.

Working knowledge of diagnostic criteria and coding.

Completion of Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training for Foster Care and Adoption required by the State of

Michigan

Company Description
We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.

We foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success.