Permanency Specialist- Adoption

Saint Francis Ministries; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Francis Ministries seeks an experienced Permanency Specialist for Adoption to provide comprehensive case management and permanency services to families and children legally free to adopt. You will ensure up-to-date social histories, coordinate adoption resources, and assist with placement, subsidies, and finalization.

You will develop and implement case plans, work with the court, and travel statewide to support families, while maintaining thorough documentation and participating in team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Service Field from an accredited college or university.
• Prefer two years’ experience working with children and families.
• Must pass a drug screen, MVR, Criminal History and DFPS History Check, and background checks as required.
• Lifting requirements 50 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive case management and permanency services to families and children eligible for adoption.
• Completes assessments, updates social histories, and coordinates adoption placement resources.
• Develops and implements case plans and permanency goals within timelines.
• Travels statewide to address on-site issues and support placements.
• Participates in court proceedings, documents actions, and ensures court orders are followed.
• Offers crisis intervention and collaborates with providers and DFPS as needed.
• On-call rotation with rapid response and problem resolution during off-hours.

Skills

Mandated reporter

Trauma-informed practice

Flexible schedule

Travel statewide

Written/verbal communication

Engage families

Interpersonal skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Service Field

Job description

1700 SE 12th AveSuite 101, Amarillo , Texas 79102 , United States

1611 10th St, Lubbock , Texas 79401 , United States

Job Description

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Permanency Specialist for Adoption provides comprehensive case management/permanency services to families and children who are legally free to adopt.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Completes on-going assessments of children.

Ensures the social histories for children with a goal of adoption is current.

Ensures relative, kin and resource family searches to identify resources for adoptive placement.

Assists adoptive family with adoption Placement Agreement and adoption subsidy, finalization and post finalization paperwork and processes.

Prepares children and resource families regarding moves, grief, separation, and loss issues related to adoption.

Completes necessary documentation and works to identify/select an adoptive family.

Participates in team meetings, sharing pertinent information about children/families’ progress, and relationships with other agencies/communities.

Develops and implements case plans and permanency goals with children and families, ensuring that goals are reached within established time frames.

Determines and recommends which services are needed for the child and family, including mental health, drug and alcohol services, respite care and supervised or unsupervised visitations/interactions.

Completes and maintains written documentation in child/family’s case record accurately and within established time frames.

Assists families to establish a support network of family, kinship, and community.

Provides intervention for children and families in crisis situations.

Ability to work with the court system and follow court protocols including appropriate business attire.

Completes reports for court and participates in court proceedings, including testifying, and makes sure court orders are followed.

Works collaboratively and provides guidance to family support workers assigned.

Supervises and transports children and families as needed.

On-call rotation where you will be available outside of regular working hours to address any urgent issues that arise during your rotation. The essential functions during on-call periods include:

Availability : Ensure that you are reachable via phone or designated communication channels at all times during the on-call period.

Rapid Response : Respond to all calls or notifications immediately.

Problem Resolution : Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve issues promptly. If unable to resolve an issue independently, elevate it to the appropriate manager on-call.

Travel : Be prepared to travel short notice to various locations throughout the State as required to address on-site issues. This may include travel to company facilities, client sites, or other relevant locations.

Documentation : Record all incidents, actions taken, and resolutions in the designated documentation system or log. Ensure that a clear handover is provided if the issue extends beyond the on-call period.

Assists adoptive families through the adoption process.

Supports kinship and foster families to maintain placements and help children work toward permanency.

Participates in group or individual supervision.

Reports critical incidents to DFPS according to policy.

Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required. Follows and adheres to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, employee policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state, and local rules, statutes, regulations, and contractual terms.

Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.

Reports unusual incidents through appropriate risk management, clinical and safety channels.

Ensures clients’ rights are protected.

Requirements

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Service Field from an accredited college or university

Prefer two years’ experience working with children and families.

Must be 21 years of age.

Must pass a drug screen, MVR, Criminal History and DFPS History Check, Centralized Background Check Unit Texas Health and Human Services Eligibility and any background checks deemed to be necessary.

Lifting requirements 50 lbs.

Must have a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving, and reliable transportation.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Mandated reporter

Receives training in trauma informed practice and incorporates knowledge in day-to-day practice.

Ability to work flexible schedule including on-call.

Understanding of family centered practice and social histories.

Understanding of the dynamics of adoption.

Understanding of the child welfare and state system.

Ability to engage families in working relationships.

Understanding of child and adolescent development.

Ability to work with diverse populations.

Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to travel throughout the State.

Consistently exercises discretion and independent judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.

Works with others effectively/teamwork.

Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.

Manages emotions and can make decisions under pressure.

Works alone effectively.

Works near others and/or in a distracting environment.

Understands and practices Universal Precautions

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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