Job Details

Overview:

The 4Kids4Families Adoption Specialist will take primary lead on all adoption recruitment and matching activities for referred children and youth in DFPS conservatorship. Actively register children on TARE. This position will also monitor all inquiries received on youth and hold selection staffings with DFPS primary workers and service providers. Managing all IL youth and ensuring they are given all the resources available to them.

• Medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options, including HSA match for qualifying contributions.
• Parental Paid Leave
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement available.
• Company sponsored learning and development

Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Review the case record, interview the youth, caseworker, other agency staff with knowledge of the case and any available family members and/or other supportive connections to assist in the recruitment process.
• Utilize internet search tools to identify and locate resources within the youths network.
• Develop an initial written adoption readiness assessment describing the youths understanding and feelings about adoption.
• Meet with the youth on a minimum monthly basis.
• Communicate with the caseworker on a monthly basis to review the progress of the recruitment plan.
• Meet with family members and supportive connections to discuss the progress of locating permanent resources for the youth.
• Liaises with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), legal, child placing agencies, and birth families. Will attend any treatment team meetings.
• Travel for Court, training, and home visits
• Once matched, work with the caseworker, youth and the adoptive resource to ensure preplacement visits are implemented.
• Assist with the development and coordination of the transition plan with the youth and matched family. Work with the youth and family during the transition process to assist with placement support.
• Work in conjunction with the caseworker to ensure that the adoptive family is working towards adoption finalization.
• Document all work in the correct systems.
• When needed, ability and willingness to travel for work related purposes, evenings and occasional weekends.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.
• Perform all duties within contract, state and federal regulations, company policy, and regulatory agency standards.
• May be required to drive vehicles, be insurable with our auto insurance provider, and complete company vehicle training.

Bachelors degree with two years post graduate direct experience required. Expertise in providing family support/excellent customer service. Relevant experience in child welfare including knowledge of issues surrounding foster care, adoption, trauma, medical and developmental needs. Comprehend the importance of legal permanency is strongly desired, as well as familiarity with state child welfare rules and procedures and the juvenile and/or probate court systems.