Adoption Caseworker

Overview

The primary purpose of the Adoption Caseworker (Social Service Worker
3) position is to assess the readiness of a child for adoption in collaboration with other agency staff and providers. The caseworker screens home assessments, participates in matching conferences, and conducts face‑to‑face meetings with children eligible for adoption. The role identifies key individuals for children on the caseload, initiates contacts with parties interested in waiting children or potential permanency connections, and participates in case reviews and semi‑annual reviews.

• 35% – Provide pre‑finalization, finalization, and post‑finalization adoption services. Responsible for pre‑adoptive staffing, matching, disclosure, and finalization materials, and for completing Child Studies and updates. Maintain Ohio Assessor qualifications, conduct family finding and recruitment, and perform foster‑adopt home assessments including home visits, interviews, and consultations.
• 30% – Plan, implement, and evaluate child‑specific recruitment activities. Increase public awareness by developing and evaluating recruitment materials, advertisements, fliers, inquiry packets, and public presentations.
• 25% – Maintain case records and supporting documentation in the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) and the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS). Utilize technology in daily work activities and participate in ongoing training, supervisory meetings, and staff consultations.
• 10% – Implement planning for foster care adoption programs and develop recommendations on policy or procedural changes. Establish and evaluate measurable system to assess services, participate in training, supervisory meetings, and weekend/night coverage. Assist with overflow case assignments by conducting assessments, completing SACWIS entries, gathering evidence, and collaborating with community partners.

• Per Section  of the Ohio Revised Code, applicants must meet one of the following:
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in human services‑related studies.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two years of employment in a human services occupation.
  • Have an associate’s degree in human services‑related studies.
  • Have been employed for at least five years in a human service‑related occupation.
• Applicants described in options 2, 3, or 4 must obtain a related bachelor’s degree not later than five years after commencing employment with the agency.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

• Complete at least ninety hours of in‑service training during the first year of continuous employment, covering child abuse and neglect prevention, risk assessment, interviewing, investigation, intervention, and service provision.
• After the first year, complete thirty‑six hours of ongoing training in areas relevant to the caseworker’s duties.