Adoption Specialist

Heartland for Children; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Domestic partner coverage

Retirement benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A social services agency in Florida seeks a professional to connect youth with permanent homes through essential recruiting and matching activities. The role involves maintaining relationships with clients, providing casework services throughout the adoption process, and developing personalized readiness assessments. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a Human Services field, with a strong understanding of child welfare processes. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including tuition assistance and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• Experience in child welfare eligibility determination preferred.
• Demonstrates professional application of theories in a protection or welfare environment.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with clients.
• Provide direct casework services throughout the adoption process.
• Engage hands-on with youth and caregivers.
• Conduct interviews and gather records for recruitment strategies.
• Develop individual adoption readiness assessments.

Skills

Social work theories and methods

Direct casework services

Interpersonal communication

Data tracking and reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Services

Job description

Applying for:

Job Summary:

This is a professional position responsible for connecting youth who are waiting for permanent homes by implementing and coordinating recruitment and matching activities in connection with the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids grant.

Essential Functions:

Establishes and maintains positive working relationship with HFC internal and external customers

Carries an active caseload and provides direct casework services to children, youth, and families throughout the adoption process

Engages in hands‑on work with youth and caregivers, maintaining regular contact to assess needs, provide support, and monitor progress

Conducts interviews, gathers records, and collaborates with all parties involved in each case to inform recruitment strategies and adoption planning

Develops individualized adoption readiness assessments and ensures youth receive appropriate preparation and support

Meets consistently with youth, families, and stakeholders to review progress and adjust recruitment or transition plans as needed

Supports matched children and families by coordinating and participating in pre‑placement visits

Assists in developing, implementing, and monitoring transition plans to ensure smooth movement toward placement and finalization

Maintains accurate, timely documentation for all case activities and enters required data into agency databases

Participates in ongoing training, professional development, and learning opportunities to strengthen practice and maintain compliance with program standards

to include online modules, webinars and conference

Track and report all data into the databases

Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Services field required. Experience in child welfare eligibility determination and FSFN preferred.Demonstrates professional application of social work theories and methods in a child protection or child welfare environment.

Excellent benefits package with tuition assistance, domestic partner coverage, retirement andgenerous paid time off.

Additional Information:

Drug free workplace. Drug testing required. EOE/M/F/D/V.