Adoptions Specialist

Company: Eckerd Connects
Location: Largo
Posted on: January 12, 2021

Job Description:

Eckerd Connects Community AlternativesEckerd Connects' Community Alternatives is the community-based care lead agency for child welfare services in Pasco and Pinellas Counties and manages one of Florida's largest systems of care, serving about 3,100 children each day. A Program of Eckerd Connects and governed by a community-based board, Eckerd Connects Community Alternatives has developed an integrated and collaborative system of care for safety, well-being and permanency of vulnerable and at risk children, while strengthening and supporting families. In its role as lead agency or "system manager", provides: adoption support; child abuse prevention; child placement; contract and fiscal oversight; foster home management; performance and data management; resource development; and utilization management.Please follow the link for more information about this program: https://eckerd.org/family-children-services/foster-and-adoption/eckerd-community-alternatives-pasco-pinellas/Position ConceptThis position is responsible for coordination of adoption activities within Pinellas/Pasco Counties. The position serves as the technical expert in child welfare adoptions. Also serves as a lead agency liaison for adoption related matters; handling inquiries and/or concerns made to the Lead Agency regarding the adoption process, disseminating adoption information as needed to the case management agencies, providing adoption technical assistance, working directly with providers of adoption related services and coordination, review and approval of any adoption subsidy payments that exceed 100% of the foster care board rate. This position also facilitates problem resolution, assists with process information and disseminates resource contact information as needed.Essential Functions* Track, on an on-going basis, all children receiving services with a goal of adoption and lead agency outcomes related to adoption finalization, to include stratifying data related to adoption targets/performance by case management agency.* Ensure that the lead agency has data to support how well a child is navigating towards adoption to include the child's status, specific barriers to achieving timely adoption finalization and efforts to effectively address and eliminate barriers.* Coordinate with case management staff directly responsible for adoptive home recruitment and participates directly or indirectly in all activities that promote community awareness of the adoptions program and the need for adoptive families.* Assist in developing and maintaining policies and procedures for adoption and related services while maintaining compliance with all child welfare laws, policies and procedures governing adoption and related services.* Provide technical assistance and training to all adoption related staff working for the case management providers.* Responsible for reviewing adoption-related packets for thoroughness and required documentation.* Work collaboratively with the Programs Services Supervisor on all adoption-related items.* Work with Revenue Maximization Staff on an as needed basis regarding the review/approval of maintenance adoption subsidy payments. Position SpecificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services field required. Experience: Requires a minimum of three years child welfare experience. Preference will be given to staff with 2 year background in child welfare adoptions.Skills: Ability to interpret statutes, policies, contracts, and administrative rule requirements as related to program area. Knowledge of Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Rules, and policies that regulate the adoption process. Ability to maintain a professional working relationship with outside agencies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Organized, detail oriented individual able to work independently, make appropriate decisions and judgments as related to assessments, services and recommendations on child welfare cases. Computer experience in a Windows environment, Microsoft Office (Excel, WORD, ACCESS), ability to learn and utilize other software programs.Physical Demands: Ability to sit at desk for long periods of time. Must be free of communicable diseases as required by the state and to the extent that knowledge is attainable under the law.Other: Maintain an appropriate and valid state driver's license. Must meet state criminal background check requirements.Employee BenefitsEckerd wants your career to be as rewarding as possible. We provide our employees with numerous opportunities for growth, education, advancement, and the chance to contribute to business objectives. We offer competitive salaries and an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:--- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance--- Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance--- Voluntary term life insurance--- Paid short-term and long-term disability--- Professional group liability insurance--- 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year--- 8 paid holidays --- Flexible spending accounts--- Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%--- Mileage reimbursement--- Cell phone plan discounts--- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)--- Employee Referral Program--- Flexible work schedules--- Employee Wellness/Well-Being program

Keywords: Eckerd Connects, Largo , Adoptions Specialist, Other , Largo, Florida