Adoption Case Manager

Under the supervision of the Adoption Supervisor, the Adoption Case Manager is responsible for providing a range of adoption preparation services to abused and neglected children and their families. They engage in a number of interviews to assess the needs of both the adoptive parents and children through consultations, home studies and post-placement visits. The Adoption Case Manager is also responsible for court appearances, working with other agencies and attorneys to facilitate arrangements to place children with parents who wish to permanently adopt them.

• Minimum of a Bachelor level degree in Social Work or a human services field
• Good moral character, flexibility of work schedule, available transportation and valid driver's license
• One-year experience in direct adoption services, child welfare or related services preferred.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusions.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables and apply basic mathematical applications.
• Ability to prepare business letters, summaries, client notes, and reports using prescribed format and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar and diction.
• Ability to operate with minimal direct supervision. Advanced ability to utilize assessment, problem identification, and diagnostic and treatment techniques with individuals, families and groups.
• Advanced ability to work within complex social systems and coordinate resources as they apply to client needs.
• Ability to deal constructively and appropriately with client apathy, hostility, resistance and anger.
• Ability to work in team relationships with other professionals from varied community groups, agencies and disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of: state and local human service systems and resources, particularly as they apply to child and family services; human growth, development, and social environments with respect to child development, personality, family life, parenting, and ethnicity; and ability to employ social brokering, advocating, and mobilizing individuals and groups.
• Ability to utilize basic word processing and specific computer software applications
• Understands the impact of separation and loss on families and children
• Possess outstanding child and family safety assessment skills.
• Successful completion of initial and on-going employment screens, including, but not limited to criminal background, sex offender, drug screen, OIG, valid Michigan driver's license, abuse and neglect and vehicle record check as required.

SERVICES:

• Attend required Child Welfare Institute Training for PSI or PSTT training provided by the state specific to adoptions and receive a passing grade on the exit examination within 6 months of hire.
• Become proficient in utilizing MiSACWIS as a day-to-day tool in order to document contacts, trainings, and recruitment activities. Input all reports in MiSACWIS in a timely manner to ensure compliance with the current Modified Settlement Agreement.
• On an annual basis, complete 32 hours of ongoing applicable continuing education.
• Screen and assess appropriateness of children and families for adoption by providing training, casework and support.
• Maintain current knowledge of recruitment, screening, preparation and assessment of families for adoption in accordance with all applicable contractual, regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and policies.
• Coordinate matching and pre-placement process for children and families.
• Attend and participate in case conferences, community meetings and events as required.
• Work collaboratively with referring foster care staff, other adoption agencies and the Department of Health and Human Services; collaborate with the Michigan Children's Institute to secure consent
• Collect, analyze, evaluate and document appropriate data and client progress as required for record-keeping and reporting within required time frames.
• Coordinate placement arrangements with foster parents, including transportation of children as needed.
• Provide all required post placement services to assigned caseload of adoptive families.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in the recruitment and development of families to take on children by providing initial orientation and ongoing training to prospective and current foster and adoptive parents.
• Formulate…