Adoption and Permanency Specialist - CONTRACT POSITION
About the Contract Assignment:
The Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) is a comprehensive program designed to support the permanency process of children in Pennsylvania. It connects children in foster care to a range of services to ensure the successful permanency of children. SWAN offers resources for child preparation, child and family profiles, child specific recruitment, matching/placement, finalization of adoptions, and post-permanency support. The Adoption and Permanency Specialist works collaboratively with counties, adoption professionals, and families to ensure permanency for vulnerable children. This contract assignment will be based in Pennsylvania.
Scope of Responsibilities:
- Provide direct support to children in preparation of permanency including helping them understand why they are in care, make connections and prepare for the future.
- Develop detailed child and family profiles, which include personal histories, medical records, and other essential information. These profiles help match children with adoptive families and provide vital information to ensure a smooth transition into permanent homes.
- Provide child specific recruitment or children who have no identified family resource or permanency connections. Work closely with the child or older youth and the CYS agency to locate and develop an adoptive family and other individuals who can serve as permanent connections.
- Work closely with foster care agencies and adoption professionals to match children with appropriate adoptive families. This involves conducting thorough assessments of both children and prospective families to ensure the best possible match for long-term success.
- Guide adoptive families and children through the finalization process of the adoption, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed and legal requirements are met. Provide support and assistance during the court hearings to ensure the adoption is legally finalized.
- Offer continued support to families after adoption finalization to ensure successful integration and adjustment. This includes providing resources, case management, parent education and follow-up services to both children and adoptive families as they navigate life after adoption.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- 1 year of experience providing counseling, casework, or direct support services to children and/or families.
- A valid driver’s license is required, with the ability to travel locally as needed.
- Strong knowledge of foster care systems, childhood trauma, and adoption processes, with specific experience in SWAN adoption services preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, particularly children in foster care and adoptive families.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- If the assignment is offered and accepted, the contractor will be responsible for obtaining and covering the cost of any necessary clearances/trainings required to fulfill their responsibilities.
- If the assignment is offered and accepted, the contractor will be required to maintain appropriate professional liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in aggregate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Gladney Center for Adoption is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
