At Lutheran Social Services of WI & Upper MI, we believe every adoption is a small miracle that gives to everybody it touch - a child receives a home and the love of a family, birth parents have the assurance their baby will be cared for, and the adoptive family is blessed with the joy of loving and parenting a child. If you want to be a part of giving a child a forever family, consider joining our team as an Adoption-Birth Parent Counselor.

An Adoption and Birth Parent Worker / Counselor coordinates adoption services to birth parent(s), adoptive parents, and children, in keeping with agency policies, goals, and regulatory requirements. May perform other duties as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Recruitment of families
• Assessment of families
• Coordination and presentation of education groups
• Audit case records
• Ensure file and actions comply and meet COA and applicable state standards (WI or MI)
• Provide counseling / supportive services for birth parents, families and children
• Assist birth parent regarding placement of child and termination of parental rights, provide court testimony and reports as required
• Supervise placement of child until legal finalization and or re-finalization
• Facilitate face to face meetings between birth parent, adoptive family and child
• Work with multidisciplinary teams including private and governmental organizations
• Have working knowledge of necessary codes for particular state, licensing and statute requirements, such as DCF 50, 56, and Chapter 48, DHS Rules R400.12101 - R400.12713 Social Work Ethics, HIPPA, etc. Requirements depend on state.

PERKS:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Flex Spending for Dependent & Health Care
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Ability to Contribute to 403B
• Employee Assistance Program
• Service Awards and Recognition

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

A Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or other human service program approved by the Social Worker Section of the DSPS guidelines. Certification/Licensure is required (CSW, APSW, LCSW or ability to become certified). A Master's degree in Social Work or closely related field is preferred as is two years of experience working in Human Services or Social Work field.

In addition, the following are required:

• Critical Thinking - the ability to problem solve, make decisions and transfer learning from one situation to another is essential.

• Fiscally Responsible - to the agency and individual program budgets is required. An individual should have the ability to see the large picture of the agency as well as program
• Organization Skills - the ability to plan, follow though, and prioritize and excellent time management are necessary for this position.
• Collaboration and team work are essential in this position. An individual needs to work well independently and as a part of a team often at the same time.
• Marketing - promoting the adoption programs in the community is a vital part of this position.
• Professionalism - at all times and maintaining boundaries, serve as a role model and maintaining confidentiality.
• Customer Driven Focus, and approachable to all served
• Flexible, conscientious and possess a good work ethic

Appropriate sense of humor, empathic, patient and compassionate are important attributes as well as being self-confident and self-motivated at all times.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must have a valid Driver's License and car - Motor vehicle check (MVR) will a satisfactory driving record required.

• Must be a licensed social worker / counselor or have the ability to become licensed if required by state statute.

In Michigan, must have completed or be able to complete the CWTI PSI training within 16 weeks of hire.

TRAVEL:

Ability to travel on day trips as required up to 75%. Some overnight travel may be required.

We want you! Apply today to join our team.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.