Careers with Choice Adoptions

Adoption Specialist

Full-time (32 hrs/week - Mon-Thurs) position in the Clackamas office

About Choice Adoptions
Choice Adoptions is a non-profit domestic adoption agency serving women, families, and children. We are licensed in both Oregon and Washington. Founded in 1958, our mission is to serve all people involved in the adoption process and protect vulnerable children. We are a team of passionate social workers and advocates who strive to ensure that all those involved in the adoption process are heard and respected.

To learn more about Choice Adoptions, visit https://www.choiceadoptions.org/about

Overview
The Adoption Specialist plays a crucial role in aiding in the adoption process for children in need of permanent homes while working closely with families, children, and various stakeholders to ensure that the adoption process is smooth, supportive, and aligned with best practices. This position assists the Adoption Program Director in providing holistic services to pre-adoptive and adoptive clients. This position also is responsible for conducting the home study process for hopeful adoptive families. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in social work or related fields and demonstrate a commitment to advocating for children and families.

Duties

• Assist in the coordination of matches between birth parents and adoptive families in the Foster, Local, and National Infant Programs.

• Interface with pre-adoptive families and advocate for families admitted into the program.

• Train, educate and prepare pre-adoptive families for the adoption process.

• Respond to email and phone call adoption inquiries.

• Facilitate informational calls with prospective families regarding adoption programs.

• Advocate for and support adoptive families at hospital placements.

• Travel to placement locations within Oregon and Washington.

• Oversee mediation services between adoptive families and birth parents.

• Conduct home studies and post-placement follow-up for infant, independent, and/or foster child adoptions.

• Represent foster adoptive families at state adoption selection committees.

• Facilitate communication between foster adoption families and state welfare agencies.

• Submit inquiries on behalf of adoptive families to child welfare case managers.

• Inform pre- and post-adoptive families of local resources to help prepare them for adoptive parenting.

• Ensure proper documentation of services and timely preparation and submission of documents and reports.

• Travel to family homes within Oregon and Washington as needed for home study and post-placement services.

• Assist in socially and legally sound adoptions - facilitate the legal paperwork as needed.

• Ensure the delivery of quality services consistent with state licensing and Choice Adoption’s standards of practice.

• Build rapport and maintain professional relationships with partner agencies.

• Monitor child placement activity and remain apprised of adoptive planning and decision-making.

• Ensure proper documentation of services and timely preparation and submission of documents and reports.

• Assist Program Directors with client record keeping.

• Assist with office duties, including answering the telephone and processing mail.

• Other duties assigned by the Program Director.

• Conduct thorough assessments of prospective adoptive families to determine their suitability for adoption.

• Provide guidance and support to families throughout the adoption process, including pre-adoption training and post-placement support.

• Collaborate with child protective services and other agencies to coordinate the placement of children into adoptive homes.

• Facilitate meetings between children and prospective adoptive families to foster connections.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to each adoption case, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

• Advocate for the needs and best interests of children within the adoption system.

• Participate in community outreach efforts to promote awareness of adoption services and available children.

• Stay informed about current trends, policies, and best practices in child welfare and adoption.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s in social work from an accredited program of social work education, or a combination of a master’s degree in another human service field and experience in family and children’s services or adoption.

• Occasional 24-hour availability and willingness to travel during the placement of a child.

• Excellent clinical and assessment skills.

• Detail-oriented and excellent organization skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions.

• Access to a reliable automobile with adequate insurance coverage.

• Home study writing experience is recommended.

• Agreement with the mission statement and non-discrimination policy of Choice Adoptions.

• Familiarity with child protective services and processes surrounding child welfare.

• Compassionate approach towards children and families navigating the adoption process.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment while also being self-motivated.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and needs within the adoption landscape.

• This role requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children awaiting adoption and families hoping to adopt. If you are committed to supporting families through this transformative journey, we encourage you to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:
Health insurance
Paid time off

Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift

Work Location: In person