Post Adoption Specialist-Jacksonville Florida

Job Summary:
This position is responsible for the coordination and oversight of services to adoptive families post-finalization. Responsibilities include completion of one-year communication after finalization; referral for post-adoption services; coordination of services for families that live in other Florida counties; crisis response and transition planning.

In addition, the position will conduct meetings with adoption staff at FSS; contracted agencies and adoptive parents as necessary to determine the needs of the population. This includes facilitating discussions on overcoming barriers and creating action plans with timetables.

The Post-Adoption Specialist will also be responsible for tracking and ensuring that adopted youth who are eligible for E-MAS and E-GAP payments maintain eligibility until the age of 21.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as point of contact for post-adoption services referrals for Duval/Nassau Counties including requests made from CBCIH and intakes received from FSFN
• Complete one-year post-finalization contact with adoptive families, assess/refer for services and document in FSFN
• Respond to adoption inquiries to the adoption hotline
• Assess requests for paid services post-adoption and prepare for approval/denial
• Participate in AARC staffing and IPT staffing
• Coordinate and document Transitional Planning Staffing with CMOs
• Complete tasks associated with E-MAS and E-GAP payments and/or eligibility
• Distribute yearly post-adoption surveys as required by Florida Statute
• Participate in adoption trainings such as PRIDE and CORE as requested
• Perform other department-related duties. As Needed.

Supervisory/Decision-Making Authority
This position does not require customary supervision and management of at least 2 or more full-time employees.

Two examples of the most common decisions made independently by this position on a regular basis without following prescribed procedures are as follows:

1. Coordination of post-adoption services with CMO Children's Home Society and other CBCs.
2. Coordination of Transitional Planning Staffing with the CMOs prior to adoption finalizations.

Contribution and Impact

-Responsible for coordinating post-adoption services in Duval and Nassau County

-Responsible for assuring all adoptive families who are in need of support post-adoption are contacted and assisted in the most expedited method possible.

Strategic Value
This position is critical to the FSS goal of providing stability and quality of life to children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university required. Masters degree preferred. Child Welfare Certification- Required

Experience Proven combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to lead, manage, enhance, and promote the assigned project.3 years of child welfare experience is required. Adoption experience is preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:
Facilitate groups/meetings and conduct case staffing with a variety of stakeholders, including case managers, supervisors and leadership staff
Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments

Communicate clearly and work effectively with diverse groups of people

Maintain confidentiality of records and information

Work independently and efficiently

Write reports and correspondence

Speak effectively before small and large groups

Solve problems and deal with a variety of variables with a minimum of direction

Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form

Be highly organized, detail oriented and flexible

Knowledge of:
Policies and statutes related to adoption and post-adoption

Florida Statutes as it pertains to adoption and post-adoption

The current Florida child welfare system

Current policies and procedures of Chapter 39 adoptions

Best practices as it relates to engaging families

Community resources available in Duval and Nassau Counties and how to access those resources

Computer applications including database software, Word, Excel, Power Point, Exchange

Other Requirements

✔Clear a Level II background screening.
✔Clear a reference check (professional and personal).
✔Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside.
✔Clear a substance abuse screen.
✔Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment.
✔Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check.
Provide proof of, and maintain a minimum personal auto liability insurance level $100,000/$300,000 if required.
Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify).
Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration Valid drivers license.