Position Summary:

The Adoption Specialist is responsible for conducting home studies, assessments, and training sessions for prospective foster and adoptive parents. Develops case plans, coordinates with social workers and agencies, and advocates for children's needs throughout the adoption and fostering process. Provides ongoing support to foster and adoptive families, ensuring stable and nurturing environments. Manages crises, documents case work, and facilitates communication between all parties involved.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• Certification as a Certified Case Manager (CBHCM or CWCM) in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred.

Education:

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field, with at least two (2) years of experience in human services or child welfare programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, with at least Five (5) years of experience in human services or child welfare programs.

Experience and Competencies:

• Two years of previously supervised work experience in child welfare related field.
• Bilingual is preferred.
• Physical required prior to hire; paid by agency
• Expertise with the Florida Child Welfare Practice Model and knowledgeable in Child Welfare electronic system of record (FSFN or CCWIS).
• Possess strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule as required, including nights and weekends.
• Possess a current Background Clearance Screening Letter as required by DCF.

• Valid Florida driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required;
• The ability to identify and evaluate an individual’s strengths, barriers, problems, and needs for the development of a Wellness and Recovery Plan
• The ability to write assessments, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other consumer related data
• Knowledge of the inter-relationship among substance use, mental health, and primary care disorders
• Knowledge and application of developmental theories
• The ability to evaluate the impact of substance use and mental health problems on the consumer’s functioning in major life area
• The ability to coordinate and integrate multiple services, as well as interface and communicate with internal and external providers
• The ability to provide information to individuals and families concerning alcohol or other drug abuse, mental health problems, and the available services and resources
• The ability to identify the needs of a consumer that cannot be met by agency and to assist the consumer/family to utilize the support systems and community resources available
• The ability to identify crises when they surface; mitigate or resolve the immediate problem; and de-escalate the situation, including the ability to develop Safety Plans, as needed
• The ability to assess the individual’s growth and development relative to normative development for his/her chronological age, including physical, emotional, cognitive, educational, and social development
• Understanding of the relationship among mental health, substance use, physical health, and medication use on daily functioning
• Understanding and application of federal, state, local and agency confidentiality rules and professional standards of conduct
• Understanding of family dynamics, family roles, and family structure
• Understanding of professional ethics, consumer rights, and professional responsibilities
• Ability    to    communicate    appropriately    and    effectively    with    members    of    a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to organize, interpret, and communicate data in a comprehensive and effective manner
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize
• Ability to network with internal and external departments and agencies

• Understanding of issues related to prevention, intervention and treatment.
• Ability to use trauma informed care principles including ensuring consumer safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing consumer choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment
• Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
• Aware of the differences between trauma informed and trauma-specific services
• Understands the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
• Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma.
• Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
  • Maintains a good attendance record.
  • Observes working hours
  • Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
  • Works independently with minimal supervision
  • Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
  • Work time is always productive
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
  • Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
  • Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
  • Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
  • Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
  • Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.

• Work area is clean and orderly.
• Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
• Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures

• Presents a positive personal image
• Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
• Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
• Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Extensive knowledge of child welfare systems, case management, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in program development, quality assurance, and staff supervision.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

Physical Demands:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.