Adoption Advocate

ChildNet, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit community-based care (CBC) agency servicing Broward and Palm Beach County. We are contracted with the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, to provide case management support to abused, abandoned, and neglected children. ChildNet is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and employs over 450 staff at its location in Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein.

Job Summary: Consults with and trains foster or adoption parents and service provider staff on and about issues, problems, services, policies and procedures to achieve the goal of Adoption for each child that has been identified early on in the dependency process that is not likely to result in reunification or long term relative care.

Responsibilities: Accompanies and assists the foster or adoption parents as they begin to resolve problems, overcome obstacles and access specific services, e.g. court documents, case plans by:

• Training, advising, supporting and assisting the CA in documentation and procedures involved in the adoption process to finalization, e.g. Judicial Reviews (JRs), court hearings, pre-placement planning and placement; case plans, etc.

• Maintaining proficiency in new and pending laws concerning adoption, post adoption support, statistical research and transitional strategies and subsidy.

• Inputting the Adoption Exchange information for assigned service center and verifies the data is accurate and complete.

• Informing interested parties of the Adoption Reunion Registry.

• Verifying the all relatives were explored prior to considering adoption outside of the child (ren)s biological family.

• Identifying the need to schedule a Separation of Sibling staffing for child(ren) who may be separated and notifies his or her supervisor of the need to explore the positives and negatives of keeping the children together.

• Coordinating and attends adoption events and staffing to explore the possible strengths of families especially when more than one family has been identified, e.g. matching staffings, adoption matching parties, open houses; works closely with the Recruiter-MAPP Trainer and CA Home finder to narrow down families that will be considered an appropriate match for the child(ren).

• Documenting recording, and maintaining detailed files on all adoption cases in assigned service center; updates computer systems as needed; monitors ongoing cases.

• Adhering to established time lines regarding the adoption process. e.g., reviews and tracks adoptions, identifies cases early on that may be TPRd, prepares reports, reviews CAs case plan, and presents recommendations.

• Attending staffings or case reviews as needed.

• Coordinating with the CA - Eligibility Coordinator to begin the adoption subsidy and revenue maximization paperwork.

• Recognizing, respecting and responding to the unique, culturally-defined needs of others served.

The items listed above are intended to provide an overview of the essential functions of the job. This is not an exhaustive list of all functions and responsibilities that the position may be required to provide

* An Bachelors degree and/or Masters in social work or related area of study from an accredited college or university required.

* Must have current and active Florida Department of Children and Families Child Welfare Certification (CWCM).

* Two (2) years work experience in human services or child welfare programs preferred.

* Strong computer skills to include Microsoft Office 365 Suite and strong data entry skills

* Must possess a valid and clean Florida drivers license without any restrictions and/or citations that would affect job performance.

* Must have own reliable transportation and the ability to obtain and show proof of insurance.

* Must be available to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends in order to meet with children and families.

* Able and willing to work with a diverse client population.

Competencies:

• Thoroughness: Ensuring that one's own and others' work and information are complete and accurate; carefully preparing for meetings and presentations; following up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled.
• Stress Management: The ability to keep functioning effectively when under pressure and maintain self-control in the face of hostility or provocation.
• Personal Credibility: Demonstrated concern that one be perceived as responsible, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Flexibility: Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to modify one's preferred way of doing things.
• Persuasive Communication: The ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact and persuade their intended audiences.