SWAN Permanency Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

403(b) Match

Generous PTO

Education Reimbursement

Employee Assistance

Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services is seeking a SWAN Permanency Specialist to develop home studies, family profiles, and placement services for adoptive families, ensuring compliance with licensing and agency standards. You’ll collaborate with county and state partners, perform required documentation, and participate in trainings and meetings as needed.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with a master’s preferred, and experience in domestic adoptions or child welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field from an accredited college.
• Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field from an accredited college, a plus.
• Experience with writing home studies for domestic adoptions.
• Prior work experience in a child/family welfare.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks.
• Must pass a criminal history screen and MVR checks.

Responsibilities

• Develop home studies and family profiles for initially approved families in accordance with agency expectations and procedures.
• Complete all reports and documents to ensure timely and accurate submission.
• Provide placement and post-placement services for adoptive families in accordance with state licensure and Bethany standards.
• Coordinate care with local area or county and other professionals for high‑quality service.
• Stay abreast of agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services.
• Perform essential duties on some evenings and weekends as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field

Master's degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field (a plus)

Job description

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our Christian mission and these shared values: We’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul. As a SWAN Permanency Specialist, you’ll help carry this mission forward and make a meaningful impact every day.

How Your Role Makes a Difference

• Develop home studies and family profiles for initially approved families in accordance with agency expectations and procedures;
• Complete all reports and documents in accordance with agency, program, and licensing expectations to ensure timely and accurate submission;
• Provide placement and post placement services for adoptive families in accordance with state licensure, COA, and Bethany standards;
• Administer the process steps for child profile, child preparation, child specific recruitment, family profile, and finalization;
• Prepare children for permanency through the completion of life books, therapeutic sessions, and other necessary interventions;
• Conduct thorough file reviews to support documentation and work effectively with clients;
• Recruit and screen families for specific children through consultation with the youth, utilization of appropriate media and technology, attendance at matching events, and networking with other child welfare professionals;
• Provide support to families and children post-placement through monthly visits, and thorough and efficient processing of applicable legal paperwork;
• Conduct periodic information meetings and trainings for prospective adoptive parents;
• Attend SWAN and adoption-related meetings and conferences, as requested;
• Coordinate care with the respective local area or county, and other professionals involved in the case to provide efficient and high-quality service;
• Perform essential job duties on some evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Essential job responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of each program/department;
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

What Will Make You Successful

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college, a plus;
• Experience with writing home studies for domestic adoptions;
• Prior work experience in a child/family welfare;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Must exhibit an ability to apply the principles of logic and critical thinking with problem solving;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Must be reliable with time sensitive deadlines and tasks;
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany;
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

We Invest in You

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursueexcellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Comprehensive health insurance(medical,dental,andvision)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility
• Generoustimeoff(11paidholidays,PTOYour Way,paidparentalleave,separatesickandpaidabsencebanks)
• Access to education reimbursement for those that qualify
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employerpaidlong-termdisabilityandgroup termlifeinsurance