MSW Contract Worker - Ventura/Santa Barbara

Vista Del Mar; Ventura, Santa Barbara (CA, CA); Hybrid; USD 590 - 720; Full time

Job summary

Vista Del Mar seeks a Domestic Adoption Home Study Contract Worker to conduct home studies for prospective adoptive families in California, following state guidelines. Strong clinical writing, interviewing, and assessment skills are essential, as is knowledge of child welfare and adoption practices.

The role requires MSW or related field, with a flexible schedule and a combination of remote documentation and in-person home visits, including travel by personal vehicle.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field required.
• Strong clinical assessment and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet deadlines.
• Flexible availability including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person interviews with prospective adoptive parents and all household members.
• Perform home visits to evaluate safety, stability, and readiness of the environment.
• Review required documentation (medical, financial, criminal background checks, references).
• Prepare comprehensive home study reports that assess the family’s capacity to meet children’s needs.
• Ensure documentation meets legal, agency, and state adoption standards.
• Submit reports within established deadlines.
• Provide guidance to families about the adoption process and expectations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Interviewing

Cultural humility

Detail-oriented

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Counseling

Psychology

Job description

GET TO KNOW US

For more than a century, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has been dedicated to supporting children and families across Los Angeles County through high-quality programs and compassionate care. Our goal is to help children and families build strong foundations that support growth, stability, and meaningful opportunities throughout their lives. Many of the individuals we serve have faced long-standing challenges, and we are committed to meeting families where they are with respect and understanding. Vista Del Mar is guided by values centered on growth, opportunity, fairness, and excellence in service.

OUR CULTURE

At Vista Del Mar, our work is strengthened by the people we serve and the dedicated staff who support them. We strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, care, and respect. We recognize that personal experiences and life circumstances shape how individuals engage within their communities, and we actively work to reduce barriers while improving access and outcomes for families. Vista Del Mar is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in care, collaboration, professional growth, and mutual support, where each individual feels welcomed and valued. We believe meaningful action is the foundation of lasting trust.We welcome qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. Relevant professional and lived experience that supports effective service delivery to children and families is valued. All employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

Position Overview

The Domestic Adoption Home Study Contract Worker is responsible for conducting domestic adoption home studies for prospective adoptive families in accordance with California state guidelines. This position ensures that families are thoroughly assessed, prepared, and supported throughout the adoption approval process. The role requires strong clinical writing, interviewing, and assessment skills, as well as knowledge of child welfare and adoption practices.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES AN MSW ******************

Contract Terms

• Compensation: Per home study report (flat rate).
• Schedule: Flexible; determined by family needs and agency referrals.
• Location: Combination of remote work (documentation/writing) and in-person home visits.
• Vehicle: Use of personal vehicle
• Home Study Assessments
• Conduct in person interviews with prospective adoptive parents and all household members.
• Perform home visits to evaluate the safety, stability, and readiness of the environment.
• Review required documentation submitted by applicant (medical, financial, criminal background checks, references, etc.).
• Report Writing
• Prepare comprehensive home study reports that clearly assess the family’s capacity to meet the needs of children.
• Ensure documentation meets legal, agency, and state adoption standards.
• Submit reports within established deadlines.
• Family Preparation & Education
• Provide guidance to families about the adoption process, expectations, and challenges.
• Discuss adoption-related issues, including attachment, trauma, loss, cultural identity, and openness in adoption.
• Refer families to additional training or supportive services as needed.
• Work collaboratively with adoption program staff
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to agency and state licensing regulations.
• Core Competencies
  • Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills.
  • Cultural humility and ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
  • Commitment to child safety, permanency, and family well-being.

Flat Rate - $650 - (Per domestic home study)

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field (required).
• Strong clinical assessment and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, as needed for family schedules.

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.