Post Adoption Specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Youth and Family Alternatives
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Job Description
Description: This position is responsible for supporting the needs of adoptive families, acting as a liaison with partner agencies and connecting families with post adoption resources.
In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required training, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.
Essential Functions:
- Identify and connect families to post adoption supports based on assessed needs.
- Work with families prior to adoption finalization to ensure that each family has a post-adoptive support plan in place prior to adoption finalization.
- Assist families with navigation of local and statewide post adoption resources, including mental health, educational, and respite support.
- Facilitate monthly in person or virtual support sessions for adoptive families, offering discussion topics and peer connection opportunities.
- Maintain regular communication with agency partners to identify post adoption service needs.
- Streamline support processes and develop plans to overcome barriers.
- Assist with local National Adoption Day event coordination.
- Provide adoptive parents, biological parents, and adoptive children with available resources needed to obtain family birth information.
- Document, record, and maintain case files for post adoption cases. Update computer systems and monitor aftercare cases.
- Coordinate and attend adoption events, matching staffings, adoption matching parties, and open houses, etc. to explore the strengths of families when more than one family has been identified as adoptive parents.
- Attend staffings and case reviews for assigned cases and all post adoptive cases. Locate community resources for pre and post adoption families to meet children and family needs.
- Enter information into the Integrate system regarding adoptive families, offering support to parents if child experiences hospitalizations.
- Track program data and outcomes.
- Track and respond to any referrals of families in need of support
- Update internal list of post adoption contacts and resources.
The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a human service-related field, 2 years’ experience in foster care and adoptions or related job preferred.
Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.
Physical Requirements: Ability to travel locally on a regular basis and regionally or statewide as needed; ability to bend, lift, and carry 30 pounds.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
- Ability to document timely in a clear, concise manner.
- Must possess skills necessary to assess, interpret, and deliver care-related information concerning the life-span development of children and families.
- Required to become certified as a Child Welfare Case Manager (CWCM).
- May require the use of your personally owned vehicle.
- Must possess a positive attitude concerning all aspects of working in a challenging environment, including significant patience and respect for children and families who can become angry and demanding.
- Must be sensitive to cultural needs and willing to serve as a positive member of a working team.
- Functions as a mandatory reporter, ensuring child safety, and protection.
- Must possess demonstrated knowledge of community resources.
- Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier.
- Arrive/report to work on time and ready to work.
- Abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting.
- Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors.
- Abide by core values and mission statement of the agency.
- Ability to have a flexible work schedule.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suites.