Adoption Exchange Family Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: 40K-45K

ADOPTION EXCHANGE FAMILY SPECIALIST

Job Category:Family Permanency Programs

Job Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Reports to:Adoption ExchangePrograms Manager

About FosterAdopt Connect:

FosterAdopt Connect works with children, youth, and families as they navigate the complexities of the child welfare system. With the help of innovative leadership, we are a dedicated, professional staff with a history of over 25years of experience working in the Kansas and Missouri foster care systems. Be part of a progressive,diverseand inclusive organization that connects children with families that provide a safe, stable environment for foster and adoptive children. Join us in changing the lives of foster children, one child and one family at a time.

JobSummary:Engageadoptivefamily resourceswith the goal of matching them withfoster children listed on theAdoptKSKidsadoption exchange website.

The Adoption ExchangeFamily Specialistis expected to be a champion of change in the lives of children whodo not yethaveanidentified adoptive resource.TheSpecialistmaintainsan active list of interested adoptive applicants with the purpose of engagingfamiliesin the adoption process. The Specialist identifiesand tracks tasks related toadoptionwork to ensure training, paperwork requirements. The Specialist developsa goodunderstandingof eachfamilys interests/needs to helpfacilitatethe match process and workeffectively with the youths case management team to find ano matter whatfamily for each youth.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Respond to AdoptKSKidswebsite inquiries. Effectively communicate the adoption process andidentifynextsteps forprospective adoptive families.
• Engage with families to learn about their experience and motivation to adopt.
• Educate adoptive families about the adoption process in Kansas and the children infoster care who need adoptive families.
• Continue ongoing contact with prospective families includesproviding general information about adoption and foster care, providing information about the adoption process, responding to questions about profiles of featured children, and offering direction to all inquiriesseekingfoster and/or adoption-related services.

• Interface with prospective families and case managers throughout theadoptionprocess.

• Solicit completed family informationtoensure narrative descriptions are collected as well as the familys adoptive preferences.

• Network building: develop relationshipswithCMPs and Child Placing Agencies;maintainregular contact.

• Maintain excellent documentation by tracking all communication with prospective adoptive parents, CMPs, CPAs, and all other professionals in FACs internal database system.

• Makereferrals to any identified community resources needed to aide in successful adoption finalization.

• Follow month- endprocedureofreviewing all familyprofilescompleting applicable updates.

• Attend meetings, community awareness events andadoptionrecruitment eventsas requested.
• Collaborate and partner with Adoption Exchange Child Specialists on matching services and casestaffings.

Qualifications& Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with theKansaschild welfare system (preferred).

• A minimum oftwo(2)years of related experience working with foster care/adoption.

• Bachelor's degree in social work ora relatedfieldrequired.

• Solid commitment to the core principle that all children need and deserve to grow up in the context of a safe, loving,andappropriate family.

• Maintain a proactive approach to ensure youth and childrenare connected witha safe,lovingandappropriate family.

• Self-starter who takes on challenging responsibilities and is self-accountable.
• Model ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Solid commitment to principles of support and advocacy forbirth, relative, kinship,fosterand adoptive families.

• Flexibility and adaptability, able to shift styles to fit the needs of a wide range of cultures,peopleand organizations.

• Strong computer and Internet skills.

• Strong attention to detail with commitment to accuracy and quality while meeting goals or deadlines.

• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license, carinsuranceand reliable transportation.

• Flexible schedule.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensationcommensuratewith experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Highly-competitivehealth plan.

• Health Reimbursement Account with generous employer contribution.

• Life insurance and long-term disabilityprovidedat no cost.

• Voluntary life and short-term disability options.

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match.

• Flexible Spending Account with medical expense and dependent care.

• Employee Assistance Program.
  

• Generous paid time off and holidays.

FosterAdopt Connect does not and shall not discriminateon the basis ofrace, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its programs or services. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and members .