Home Study Social Worker

Paths for Families; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Paths for Families based in Alexandria, Virginia is seeking a Home Study Social Worker to evaluate prospective adoptive families, ensuring they can provide safe environments for children. This vital role involves conducting interviews, performing home visits, and preparing detailed reports.

The candidate must hold a Master's degree in social work and have at least five years of professional experience in child welfare, adoption, or foster care. The position demands excellent interpersonal and report-writing skills, with a compassionate approach to support families during transitions.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional experience in child welfare, adoption, and/or foster care.
• Knowledge of trauma, attachment, and child welfare is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with prospective adoptive parents and assess family dynamics.
• Perform home visits to evaluate living environments.
• Review documentation for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare thorough home study reports with assessments and evaluations.
• Assess family eligibility for adoption based on regulations.
• Provide education and support throughout the adoption process.
• Collaborate with adoption agencies and legal professionals.
• Identify and investigate potential concerns affecting parenting capacity.
• Complete various other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Case management systems

Microsoft 365

Education

Master's degree in social work

Job description

Overview

The Home Study Social Worker evaluates prospective adoptive families to ensure they can provide a safe, nurturing environment. They conduct interviews, home visits, background checks, and prepare detailed reports that guide adoption decisions. After placement, they supervise children in pre‑adoptive homes to ensure safety and suitability. This position will serve families who reside in the Eastern/Tidewater region of Virginia.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

Master's degree in social work. Minimum five years of professional experience in child welfare, adoption and/or foster care is required. Knowledge of trauma, attachment, and child welfare is preferred.

Preferred Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills to interface with clients and staff. Exceptional report‑writing skills. Compassionate, warm, engaging personality to support families in times of transition and crisis. Highly organized. Effective and accurate multi‑tasking skills. Ability to think and work independently, prioritize, and problem‑solve. Ability to work in a collaborative environment. Proficiency in case management systems and Microsoft 365.

Additional Notes

Each employee is required to complete (and maintain as necessary) a physical exam to include a TB screening, a criminal background check in identified jurisdictions, Child Protective Services Registries check in identified jurisdictions, and orientation training.

Role And Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews: Meet with prospective adoptive parents to assess readiness, motivations, and family dynamics. Interview children and other adults in the home in person and facilitate phone conversations with children outside of the home and references, including school personnel, and other professionals.
• Perform home visits: Evaluate the safety, stability, and suitability of the living environment. Complete the necessary inspections for jurisdictions.
• Review documentation: Examine tasks and documentation required by state, federal, and agency regulations to ensure compliance.
• Prepare home study reports: Write thorough, objective assessments including social histories, financial evaluations, and background checks, using the agency model. Provide documentation through the use of My Adoption Portal and Sharepoint.
• Assess eligibility: Determine whether families meet state, federal, and agency requirements for adoption. Consult with agency staff regarding any clinical concerns that may prohibit a family from adopting.
• Provide education and support: Guide families through the adoption process, offering resources and counseling.
• Collaborate with agencies: Work with adoption agencies, courts, and other professionals to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Identify potential concerns: Investigate issues such as financial instability, health concerns, or unresolved trauma that may affect parenting capacity, emotional stability or mental health.
• Other duties: Note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other related job duties may be assigned.