Permanency Specialist- Adoption

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, escalate 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. 

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.

FBI Fingerprint Check

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. 

Handles multiple priorities. 

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