Adoption Care Manager

Position Summary:

The Adoption Care Manager I position specializes in and offers expertise in adoptive placement home and child studies under the direction of the Adoption Supervisor.

In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required trainings, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

Essential Functions:  

• Provides on-going case management services until the adoption process is complete
• Provide a variety of adoption related services for all waiting children and their Case Manager 
• Coordinates child-specific recruitment plans with Adoption Supervisor and Case Manager 
• Arranges match meetings involving potential adoptive families and other parties involved in the care of the child
• Completes adoptive home studies and home study updates for prospective adoptive families
• May require the use of your personally owned vehicle
• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of community resources
• Must possess skills necessary to assess, interpret and deliver care-related information concerning to prepare a child and family for adoption
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and be insurable by the Agency’s current insurance carrier
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Ability to document timely in a clear, concise manner
• Ability to facilitate groups and the varied group dynamics that may arise
• Ability to arrive/report to work on time and ready to work
• Ability to abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting
• Ability to show respect to others 
• Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors
• Ability to abide by core values and mission statement of the agency

***THESE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF ALL DUTIES PERFORMED. EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB-RELATED MARGINAL DUTIES AS REQUIRED***

Education, Experience, and Skills: 

BSW/BA in Human Services; or MSW/MA preferred; 2 years direct experience in Foster Care/Adoption preferred.  Working proficiency in MS365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word).  

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to lift 30 pounds, bend, stand and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to travel on a regular basis and regionally as needed.

Specific job responsibilities and goals include but are not limited to:

• Provides case management services for children waiting for adoptive placement, consulting with the Adoption Supervisor as to specific requirements, reporting, and timelines.

• Completes documentation to initiate and process adoptive placement – included but not limited to adoption home studies, child studies, subsidy requests, enhanced subsidy requests, home visits, maintenance of adoption tab information in FSFN, as outlined by Florida Statute, adoption agreements, memoranda, subsidy documents, consent, and case closure documents. 
• Provide adoptive placement services to adoptive families including documentation in compliance with legal requirements for full disclosure and adoption subsidy.

• Reviews and update service/case plans, at least monthly to ensure progress is being made towards permanency or modifications are being made in a timely manner.
• Completes monthly progress reports and makes them available to every stakeholder, including parents.

• Provide update regarding adoption case activity to Child Welfare Case Manager for judicial reviews, participate in staffing, and testify at court regarding status of adoption. 
• Perform specialized case management activities as needed toward program compliance with legislative mandates, and DCF and/or agency initiatives. 
• Assist in coordination of and participation in sibling separation staffing, match staffing and Adoption Applicant Review Committees.
• Assess children and family needs and coordinates delivery of services specific to adoption preparation, transition and support for the children and family.
• Communicate with the primary Child Welfare Case Manager at least monthly to provide collaboration in meeting the needs of the children and families.  

• Completes measurable objectives related to adoption goal and specific task assignments with timelines and meets all legal requirements under Chapter 39.
• Provides families with educational information to enhance their awareness of child abuse and neglect, promotes family stability and a healthy family system.

• Conduct regular home visits within every 25 days to ensure child safety, engagement and progress of children and families. 

• Participates in staff development programs and opportunities.  Participate in team meetings, client care and utilization reviews, and staff meetings. 

• Other duties may be assigned as special projects as assigned by leadership.