Job Summary: Plan and coordinate recruitment efforts to target potential adoptive parents for special needs child(ren) where termination of parental rights has occurred and the permanency goal is adoption.
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:
- Complete adoption home-studies for the Out-of-County Services (OCS) and Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) cases.
- Engage families who respond to recruitment efforts and explore potential matches with Adoptions Specialists and Case Managers.
- Plan recruitment activities designed to target potential adoptive parents for special needs children.
- Participate in broad matching activities, i.e., picnics and child specific matching efforts and staffing to facilitate adoptive placement.
- Provide support to approved adoptive families in identifying potential children they will be matched with.
- Analyze and maintain electronic databases featuring waiting children for recruitment purposes.
- Coordinate community outreach and targeted recruitment of adoptive homes for at risk children.
- Prepare maintaining and complete packets for home studies of prospective adoptive parents in accordance with YFA and ChildNet’s policies and procedures, Florida Statute, and Administrative Code.
- Conduct adoptive parent training to prospective adoptive parents in the community.
- Assist with and coordinate in the development of the recruitment strategy and efforts to target homes for at- risk children.
- Train interested families in MAPP/CARE; complete their home studies.
- Introduce children to the community, YFA, and ChildNet staff through photo listings, videos, and coordination of media recruitment events.
- Monitor, track, and respond to web-based inquiries from prospective adoptive parents.
- Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from families; provide resolution or direct to relevant department/entity.
- Network and distribute information about adoptive children and approved families among adoption units throughout the state and community.
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; child welfare certification required. MAPP/CARE trainer 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.
- 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.
- Function as a mandatory reporter, ensuring child safety, and protection.
- Maintain current knowledge of community resources.
- Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and be insurable by YFA's 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 YFA.
- Ability to have a flexible work schedule.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suites.
