Adoption Support Specialist - Social Worker-FT. DODGE

Four Oaks Family & Children Services; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Oaks Family & Children Services is seeking an Adoption Support Specialist to join our Fort Dodge, IA team. This full-time role focuses on building relationships with adoptive families, coordinating resources, and supporting permanency and stability for children.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in social work or related field and at least two years in child welfare; adoption/foster care experience is preferred. Join us to strengthen families across Iowa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in social work or related field plus a minimum of two years experience in child welfare.
• Experience in adoption and/or foster care and special needs adoption and dynamics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with adoptive families.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement to help families maintain stability and permanency.
• Partner with families to develop individualized Family Support Plans addressing their needs, goals, and challenges.
• Help families navigate difficult situations by providing crisis support and connecting to resources.
• Coordinate community services, treatment resources, and educational supports for children and families.
• Maintain regular communication with families to celebrate progress and identify concerns.
• Collaborate with community partners, referral sources, and professionals to ensure families have support.
• Maintain accurate documentation and track progress toward family goals.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Details: Level: Experienced, Job Location: Ankeny Campus - Ankeny, IA 50023, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelor's Degree, Job Shift: 1st Shift, Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services, Adoption Support Specialist - Fort Dodge, IA

Be the Difference. Support Families. Strengthen Futures.

Every family deserves support. Every child deserves stability. And YOU can help make that happen!

At Four Oaks, we believe adoption is not the end of a journey, it's the beginning of a new chapter. Families need encouragement, resources, and someone they can count on as they navigate the challenges and joys of adoption.

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated, and relationship-driven Adoption Support Specialist to join our team in Fort Dodge, Iowa!

If you're passionate about helping children and families thrive, enjoy connecting people with resources, and want a career where your work truly matters, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for!

What You'll Do - Make an Impact Every Day!

Be a Champion for Families

• Build meaningful, trusting relationships with adoptive families.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement to help families maintain stability and permanency.
• Partner with families to develop individualized Family Support Plans that address their unique needs, goals, and challenges.
• Help families navigate difficult situations by providing crisis support and connecting them with appropriate resources.

Connect Families with Resources

• Coordinate community services, treatment resources, and educational supports to help children and families succeed.
• Maintain regular communication with families to celebrate progress, identify concerns, and provide additional assistance when needed.
• Collaborate with community partners, referral sources, and other professionals to ensure families have the support they deserve.
• Maintain accurate documentation and track progress toward family goals.

Build Connections in the Community

• Help identify and connect eligible adoptive families with valuable post-adoption services.
• Participate in community outreach events, recruitment activities, and informational meetings.
• Build relationships with adoption teams, community organizations, and local service providers.
• Promote awareness of available resources and help expand support services for adoptive families.

Who We're Looking For

• Has a genuine passion for helping children and families.
• Enjoys building relationships and making meaningful community connections.
• Is compassionate, dependable, organized, and able to work independently.
• Can navigate challenging situations with patience, professionalism, and a solution-focused approach.
• Has strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Is motivated by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Why Four Oaks?

Because this is more than just a job ,it's an opportunity to change lives!

At Four Oaks, you'll be part of a team committed to strengthening families, supporting children, and creating brighter futures throughout Iowa.

Your work will help adoptive families overcome challenges, access critical resources, and build the stability children need to thrive.

The relationships you build today can make a difference for a lifetime.

Qualifications & Program Information: What you need

• A Bachelor Degree, or higher, in social work or a related field plus a minimum of two years experience within the child welfare field is required. Experience in the area of adoption and/or foster care and special needs adoption and dynamics is preferred.