Foster Care And Adoption Specialist

Position: FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION SPECIALIST
Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has been a symbol of hope, responding to the call of our community to prevent and intervene in child abuse and neglect. With unwavering dedication, we have nurtured and strengthened families, evolving our programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. Our mission is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect by creating strong and successful families.

The Foster Care and Adoption Specialist is ready to hire a Foster Care and Adoption position to join our team.

We are looking for compassionate, energetic, and dependable individuals that are committed supporting families and improving the lives of youth in Foster Care.

This position involves fostering positive relationships with colleagues and personnel, adhering to professional methods and DCS policies to meet client needs, compiling data and reports as necessary, and maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards. It requires continual professional development through workshops, in-service trainings, and participation in various team meetings and events. Responsibilities include conducting home visits, preparing reports, ensuring record accuracy, and facilitating family support services, including linkage to appropriate resources.

The role also involves using independent judgment to problem-solve and make decisions in the best interest of children and families, while maintaining compliance with state regulations and contractual obligations. Additionally, cultural sensitivity and awareness are integral to the role, as is the demonstration of knowledge in case management and referral to relevant programs and services.

Essential

Job Duties:

Establishes and maintains good working relationships with co-workers and other personnel through demonstrating an attitude of cooperation and understanding

Provides services using professionally accepted methods within DCS policies and in accordance with the needs and goals of the client

Compiles data and reports to fulfill contract requirements or as requested

Maintains confidentiality regarding client’s identity and problems so as not to violate the professional code of ethics

Assumes responsibility for professional growth by attending workshops and classes, reading and utilizing in-service trainings and supervisory conferences

Participates in Child and Family Teams, Team Decision Making and other staffing as required

Responsible for ensuring culturally sensitive and appropriate services

Serves as a networker / connection to families as appropriate

Attends FCA (Foster Care and Adoption) family events

Participates in FCA recruitment events

Conducts supportive and monitoring home visits for families

Prepares licensing and adoption certification home study reports

Ensures that records and documentation on assigned cases are current

Supports foster families in completing their Billing Form to verify placement dates of children in their home Collaborates with family, DCS, and BHS in identifying needs to assist in securing appropriate services.

Advocates with family, BHS, and DCS to request a Child and Family Team (CFT) or Team Decision Making (TDM) meeting if it appears that a disruption is a possibility or if the family requires additional support

Maintains contact and monitors family as required by contract and needs of the families

Represents families at family selection meetings

Inputs family data into Extended Reach and Quick Connect Systems Uses independent judgment to demonstrate the ability to problem solve and make decisions in the best interest of the children, the family, and the agency

Compiles client files in accordance with required contractual obligations and established procedures including significant documentation necessary for continuity of service

Assesses family needs and provides developmentally appropriate information, guidance, parenting information, life skills, and support that meet the needs of each family

Inspects home to ensure compliance with DCS regulations

Works with DCS and OLR to make a determination if home is safe for youths to be placed in Works directly with family to draft a family support plan…