The 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:
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.
*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.
*Knowledge of Community Resources and how to access them and complete referrals
*The ability to work with Culturally Diverse populations
*Understanding of Mental Health issues and Diagnosis
*An understanding of Developmental Stages and ability to assess potential delays
*Experience with the children's Court Process / proceedings related to adoption

QUALIFICATIONS
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. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
This position requires:
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 have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.
*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.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job.
Excellent verbal and written communications skills are a requirement. Individuals must have the ability to accurately document all interactions, write reports based on assessments, and keep accurate records and statistics. This person must also be skilled in telephone communication, public speaking and the ability to remain calm in a crisis situation. Conflict management and mediation skill are often needed.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:
Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training.
*Must be proficient in Microsoft word and have the typing skills to complete reports that can be lengthy.
*Basic knowledge of Excel, and Access type programs

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the worker is regularly required to drive to appoints, sit in an office setting or a combination of both.

This position works in an office environment; will also be exposed to current living conditions of those served when traveling on company business.

The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.


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

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.