Adoption Parent Caseworker
About the Job:
The Adoption Parent Caseworker position in the New Beginnings Program guides adoptive families through the adoption process, from admission to legal finalization. This position supports two primary populations: families adopting through the Texas foster care system and families adopting medically fragile infants through private adoption. The Adoption Parent Caseworker provides support, education, and trauma-informed coaching to families, particularly those adopting through the Texas foster care system or medically fragile infants through private adoption. This role involves managing case files, coordinating with various professionals, and adapting to the changing needs of each family. Additionally, this role ensures that all documentation is accurate, deadlines are met, and families receive the necessary support for a successful adoption experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide professional support to adoptive parents throughout the adoption journey, offering counseling, guidance, and fostering trusted relationships.
- Collect and assess client information to develop comprehensive case management plans tailored to individual needs.
- Ensure timely and accurate collection of necessary information, maintaining compliance with relevant regulatory agencies.
- Leverage available agency and community resources at local, state, and federal levels to support adoptive families.
- Take a holistic approach to working with families, focusing on strengths and needs of both the parents and the child.
- Document all client activities and time spent on case files and case management systems for accurate record-keeping.
- Facilitate child matching, placement, and post-placement supervision, ensuring a smooth transition through adoption.
- Advocate for clients and the agency, working to reduce barriers and ensure children are placed in loving families.
- Maintain and update accurate records of all adoption cases, ensuring proper documentation of closed files and sealed adoption records.
- Complete home studies and post-placement reports, adhering to agency and state deadlines.
- Build relationships with key stakeholders to recruit adoptive families, particularly for medically fragile infants.
- Ensure the successful placement of children with complex medical needs into well-prepared and stable adoptive homes.
- Manage the application process for SSI and adoption subsidies for medically fragile infants, ensuring all government requirements are met.
- Foster strong, empathetic relationships with families, meeting them where they are in the adoption process.
- Present and teach best practices for parenting children who have experienced trauma, empowering adoptive families with the tools they need.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s operational needs and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
- 2 years of experience in case management within a foster care agency.
- Valid driver's license and the ability to travel, including driving at night, as needed.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Microsoft Teams for effective communication, documentation, and reporting.
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
- Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to adoption, child welfare, to ensure proper adherence to legal requirements.
- Ability to work effectively with families from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Ability to use trauma-informed techniques to support families and guide them through the challenges of parenting children with complex needs.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, assess situations, and develop tailored solutions for individual families.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in client assessment and adoption counseling.
- Bilingual in Spanish.
- Knowledge of managing government benefits such as SSI and adoption subsidies, particularly for medically fragile infants.
Working Conditions:
- This is an in-office position located in the Fort Worth office.
- Travel is required, accounting for up to 15% of the work scheduled.
- Flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed to meet program needs.
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Paid Time Off - Including Vacation and Sick Time
- Company Paid & AD&D
- Short Term Disability
- Health, Dental & Vision coverage
- Access to robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Adoption benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Continuing education opportunities
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.
