SWAN Permanency Specialist

Bethany Christian Services; Jenkintown (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Education reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Long-term disability insurance

Group term life insurance

Job summary

Bethany Christian Services seeks a SWAN Permanency Specialist to support foster care and adoption services nationwide. You will develop home studies, prepare family profiles, and coordinate placement and finalization processes with state licensure and organizational standards.

You will conduct post-placement visits, manage legal paperwork, and maintain strong collaboration with families, clients, and professionals while staying compliant with agency policies and relevant regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Human Services or related field is a plus.
• Experience writing home studies for domestic adoptions.
• Experience in child/family welfare.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply logic and critical thinking to solve problems while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Develop home studies and family profiles for approved families.
• Complete reports and documents per agency and licensing standards.
• Provide placement and post-placement services for adoptive families.
• Manage the steps for child profile, preparation, recruitment, and finalization.
• Prepare children for permanency through life books and therapeutic sessions.
• Conduct file reviews and coordinate with clients and professionals.
• Recruit and screen families for specific children through consultations and outreach.
• Provide post-placement support through monthly visits and legal paperwork processing.
• Conduct information meetings and trainings for prospective adoptive parents.
• Attend SWAN and adoption-related meetings and conferences as requested.
• Coordinate care with local authorities and professionals involved in each case.
• Complete SWAN units including all profiles and matching.
• Evenings/weekends work may be required.
• Stay updated on agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
• May participate in Bethany events and perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Home studies

Child welfare experience

Verbal & written skills

Confidentiality

MS Office

Driver's license

Education

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

Master's degree in Human Services / Social Work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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;
• Responsible for completing the SWAN units including child profiles, child preparation, child specific recruitment, placement and matching, family profiles and finalization;
• 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