Social Services Program Consultant 3 (South Regional Adoption Coordinator)

MPN Coaching; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Department of Human Services is seeking a Social Services Program Consultant 3 to lead the Adoption Unit for Regions 6–12. The role requires travel across assigned counties and mileage reimbursement is provided for work-related travel.

This state agency offers a generous benefits package, formal training opportunities, and telework options depending on the position. The incumbent will collaborate with county staff and state consultants to advance permanency outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of professional job-related experience, including one year in a lead worker or supervisory role.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are required for coordinating regional adoption efforts.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication within the unit and with partner agencies.
• Provide case consultation and technical assistance while interpreting policies and procedures.
• Design and deliver training sessions for county and regional staff on adoption policies and processes.
• Conduct case reviews and provide feedback to counties and regional offices.
• Identify and remove obstacles delaying timely adoption outcomes for children in care.
• Coordinate recruitment strategies for foster and adoptive families and maintain SHINES data accuracy.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Social Services Program Consultant 3 (South Regional Adoption Coordinator)

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000006939

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

$44,998.81 - $59,143.36

Job Description:

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.

Start your career in public service. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), is seeking candidates for the position of Regional Adoption Coordinator for the Adoption Unit. This position will serve the South District Regions 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. The position requires travel throughout assigned counties. Mileage and overnight stay reimbursement are provided for work-related travel. Mileage reimbursement is not provided for travel from a residence to work.

https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations/regional-map

What we offer

Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Job Responsibilities:

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication at both case-specific and policy/procedural levels within the unit and broader agency.
• Offer case consultation and technical assistance while interpreting relevant policies, rules, and regulations under limited supervision.
• Design and facilitate training sessions for county and regional DFCS staff, identifying areas needing additional support or professional development.
• Conduct case reviews and staffing for adoption goal cases, providing comprehensive written and verbal feedback to counties and regional offices.
• Identify and work to eliminate obstacles that delay timely adoption outcomes for children in care.
• Collaborate with public and private partners to expand recruitment opportunities for foster and adoptive families.
• Act as a key point of contact for regional and county DFCS leadership, social services supervisors, and state-level adoption consultants.
• Ensure accurate SHINES data entry for AFCARS reporting and provides technical assistance related to system use.
• Provide oversight, consultation, and support for adoption cases involving the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).
• Track and ensure timely completion of Child Life Histories, “It’s My Turn Now GA” registrations, and Adoption Consideration Evaluations within SHINES.
• Coordinate and implement targeted recruitment strategies for children awaiting adoptive placements.
• Monitor case progress and permanency timelines to ensure children with a goal of adoption are progressing toward finalization.
• Partners with county and regional staff proactively identify delays or barriers in the permanency process and develop action plans to resolve them.
• Track permanency benchmarks and ensure compliance with federal and state permanency timeframes and guidelines.
• Promote a sense of urgency around achieving permanency for children, minimizing disruptions and preventing placement drift.
• Collaborate with legal partners to help expedite the TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) and adoption finalization process when appropriate.
• Identify and actively work to eliminate systemic or case-level obstacles that delay timely permanency.
• Carry out other professional responsibilities as required to support the agency's adoption initiatives.

Core Competencies:

• Proven experience working effectively with diverse populations in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships and contribute positively to team goals.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, demonstrate some or all of the following skills/experience:

• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines, maintain thorough documentation, and ensure timely and accurate data entry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong skills in Excel required.

Additional Information:

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

https://dhs.georgia.gov/

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.

DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email the request by the closing date of this announcement to: [e-mail]

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.

DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional job-related experience which includes one (1) year in a lead worker, team leader, or supervisory role; or two (2) years of experience at the lower level Social Svcs Prgm Consultant 2 (SSP041) or position equivalent.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services. Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.