Adoption Subsidy Specialist

NYC Administration for Children's Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 54,385 - 66,470; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Training and support for staff

Opportunities for career advancement

Job summary

NYC Administration for Children's Services is seeking a dedicated Child Welfare Specialist for its Adoption Subsidy unit in New York City. This role involves confirming eligibility for Adoptive children, assisting agencies with applications, and liaising with partners.

The ideal candidate should hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and must pass an English proficiency test. Experience in child welfare is advantageous. The position is critical in ensuring quality services are delivered for children in foster care.

Qualifications

• Must pass a test to demonstrate English language proficiency.
• One year of satisfactory child welfare casework experience for direct appointment to Assignment Level II.

Responsibilities

• Confirm eligibility requirements for Adoptive children.
• Assist provider agency staff on documentation.
• Liaise with case planners and supervisory staff.
• Prepare unit case records for Adoption subsidy.
• Attend Adoption subsidy fair hearings.

Skills

Eligibility confirmation

Supportive documentation review

Communication with internal and external partners

Case record preparation

Education

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college

Job description

Position Summary

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY OF $60,428.00. THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO ARE PERMANENT (NOT PROVISIONAL) IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OF CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST. The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS) ensures that high quality services are provided to children in foster care by supporting provider agency staff with technical assistance and other services for children in foster care. FPS staff offer guidance to provider agencies on child welfare policies and procedures to improve service delivery and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster care. The ACS Office of Adoption & KinGAP Support Services (AKSS) within the Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS) is dedicated to increased rates of permanency and reduced lengths of stay for children in foster care, as well as the provision of post‑adoption assistance. Adoption Subsidy is monthly payments made to the adoptive parent(s) for the care of an adopted child who meets the definition of a NYS special needs child (children adopted from the custody of NYS local departments of social services or who are adopted from the custody of a NYS authorized voluntary agency). ACS/FPS/AKSS is seeking a highly motivated individual to function as an Adoption Subsidy Eligibility Specialist. The Adoption Subsidy team members regularly liaise with provider agency staff and support staff providing information on the program. The unit is responsible for offering training on the program and sharing updates as it pertains to any new regulations with provider agency staff, attorneys, and other constituents. The team members also review and approve supportive documentation for program eligibility. The Adoption Subsidy unit consists of an Executive Program Director, Director, Supervisor and five Support Specialists.

Responsibilities

• Confirming eligibility requirements for all Adoptive children by reviewing Adoption Subsidy applications, Expense Agreements, and supportive documentation for accuracy.
• Assisting provider agency staff in determining appropriate documentation required to apply for Adoption Subsidy.
• Offering one‑to‑one support to provider agency staff on the merits of the program, and providing key pointers on completing applications and submitting Adoption Subsidy packages.
• Liaising with case planners and supervisory staff providing guidance, recommendations, and follow‑ups on completing Adoption Subsidy packages.
• Speaking with internal and external partners regarding the program eligibility, and dispensing information accordingly.
• Reviewing Title IV‑E eligibility status of children moving toward Adoption.
• Preparing unit case records for Adoption subsidy initiation after a child has been freed for adoption.
• Preparing for and attending Adoption subsidy fair hearings and completing necessary case notes and documentation.

Additional Information

• Section 424‑A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child‑caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
• 55a Program: This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55‑a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55‑a Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
• Residency Requirement: New York City Residency is not required for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Candidates must pass a test to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Assignment Level II Requirements

• Upon satisfactory completion of six months of training and experience at Assignment Level I, an employee shall be assigned to Assignment Level II.
• Upon completion of one year of satisfactory experience at Assignment Level II of Child Welfare Specialist and satisfactory completion of the probationary period an employee shall receive no less than the minimum salary after 18 months in title.
• To be appointed directly to Assignment Level II, a candidate must have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements set forth above, one year of satisfactory child welfare casework experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Job Title

CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST - 52369