Adoption Specialist at The Baby Fold

Normal, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

30 Dec, 25

Salary

25.2

Posted On

01 Oct, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Consultation, Permanency Issues, Trauma-Informed Principles, Communication, Problem Solving, Child Welfare, Documentation, Community Resources, Adoption, Guardianship, Cultural Competence, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Organizational Skills, Client Relations, Collaboration

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description The Baby Fold has been successfully wrapping services around children and families since 1902, offering life-critical support such as foster care, special education, early childhood programming, and post-adoption support. The Baby Fold is a unique resources with a strong and enduring heritage. We care for our youngest citizens so they can be blessed with loving homes, stable lives, and the futures they deserve. Benefits: Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan Life & Long Term Disability Short Term Disability Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Plan Paid Vacation, Personal time, Sick time, and Paid Holidays Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Headspace Care - coaching, therapy, & psychiatry Paytient - line of credit for medical, mental health, & veterinary services Candidly - student loan navigation support Mentorship, advancement, and professional development opportunities SUMMARY: Adoption Specialist provides consultation to the foster care team regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, works to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and takes action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification adoption/subsidized guardianship. Demonstrates an ability to apply trauma-informed principles and integrates them into daily practice. Communicates effectively and promotes collaborative problem solving by demonstrating care and respect in considering the diverse experiences and perspectives of others. OFFICE LOCATION: 1500 Fort Jesse Rd, Normal, IL 61761 WORK HOURS: Full-time, non-exempt, 37.5+ hrs/wk, which many include some evening and weekend hours to accommodate families we serve PAY: From $25.20/hour based on experience, education, and certifications Essential Functions: Provides consultation regarding permanency issues; identifies and removes barriers to permanency, and takes swift action to secure appropriate placements for children; monitors and takes action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification or adoption/subsidized guardianship. Assists the caseworker with facilitation of community resources to prepare the home of parent. Assists the caseworker with the post adoption/guardianship connection to the DCFS unit prior to finalization. Works to secure additional service resources to clients in a timely manner to expedite permanency. When reunification is not possible, assists the caseworker in listing children for adoption with Greenlight or the applicable Adoption registry. Assists the caseworker to complete required documentation and home study to begin the Adoption or Sub Guardianship subsidy process. Submits, monitors, and follows up with the needs of the subsidy packet pending DCFS approval. Supports the worker with completion of ICPC documentation to IDCFS needed for out-of-state permanency options for children with relatives and licensed potential adoptive families, and works with the receiving state to eliminate barriers. Provides linkages between caseworkers, recruitment resource specialists, adoptions staff and community providers to expedite and finalize the permanency process and ensures all necessary actions and reviews have taken place to facilitate positive permanency outcomes Completes and maintains client records and notes relative to achieving permanency with youth in care, compiles reports and other required documentation relative to achieving permanency according to agency guidelines for completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. Statement of Inclusion: The Baby Fold is committed to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion, where each individual feels empowered and where our differences are celebrated. We encourage each other to engage in meaningful conversations, seek out different perspectives, and continually work to cultivate an environment where all ideas are valued. Requirements Minimum Qualifications: 1. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related human service field required. 2. Previous Foundations training and child welfare experience with CWEL license preferred. 3. Experience working with children with special behavioral needs, as well as experience or training in Reunification, Adoption, and Sub-Guardianship, preferred. 4. Knowledge of and skills necessary to apply the principles of child welfare and trauma-informed practice to specific cases. 5. Knowledge of human behavior and individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation. 6. Ability to establish rapport, communicate effectively, maintain consistency and boundaries with and effectively motivate various client populations. 7. Ability to pass State of Illinois written examination on Licensing Standards for Foster Family Homes (402), the Child Care Act. 8. Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Outlook and Word, as well as the ability to learn DCFS documentation software. 9. Ability to organize efficiently, establish priorities, and attend to details. 10. Willingness and ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed to meet the needs of the agency and the families we serve. 11. Demonstrated competence in serving a culturally diverse population. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse workforce. 12. Good physical and emotional health, including the physical ability to maintain the safety and well-being of children for whom there is responsibility. 13. Must pass necessary background checks.

Responsibilities

The Adoption Specialist provides consultation to the foster care team regarding permanency issues and works to secure appropriate placements for children. They monitor and take action to complete permanencies with children waiting for reunification, adoption, or subsidized guardianship.