Adoptions SpecialistCase ManagerRPACS

Overview

Adoption Specialist/Case Manager - RPACS Full-time (37.5 hrs work week) Christiansburg

JOB SUMMARY:

The Adoption Specialist/Case Manager - RPACS will provide supportive services to adoptive families post-finalization to strengthen and maintain adoptive placements and prevent adoption disruption and dissolution. DePaul, in partnership with subcontractor Commonwealth Catholic Charities, offers a wide range of free support services to children and families once the goal of permanency is achieved. The Adoption Specialist/Case Manager for this program must understand the unique dynamics and challenges of families formed by adoption and tailor support to the current needs of each family.

Primary activities and responsibilities may include referrals and resource sharing, education and training for families, planning and facilitating family activities, planning and leadership of parent and youth discussion groups, and connecting families to adoption-competent clinical services. The Adoption Specialist/Case Manager – RPACS provides support and crisis intervention when evolving family circumstances threaten adoption stability.

The Adoption Specialist Case Manager RPACS will report directly to the Western Region Adoption Supervisor.

• Perform strengths-based individualized intake, assess ongoing child and family strengths/needs post-adoption, and develop more detailed individualized service plans when warranted
• Provide families with specialized services that address core adoption issues, including information and referral, education, support, crisis management, and advocacy
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate adoptive family and child support groups, family activities, and opportunities for respite to enhance family connection with the broader adoptive community and natural supports
• Prepare and maintain case records and reports according to program and grant standards concerning timeliness, content, accuracy, and confidentiality
• Collaborate with supervisor, adoption team members, other DePaul staff across programs, and community partners to optimize services and program outcomes
• Serve on multi-agency groups or deliver occasional adoption competence education to the community to enhance community-wide support of adoptive families
• Complete other duties as assigned

Note:

KSAOs are attributes needed to perform a job that are demonstrated through qualifying training, education, and experience.

Knowledge

• Office and records administration techniques and procedures
• The structure and content of the English language, including grammar
• Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and virtual meeting applications (e.g., Zoom, Web Ex, Google Meet)
• DePaul policies, procedures, and standard practices and the rules and guidelines established by regulatory and governing agencies
• Policies, procedures, and guidelines established by DePaul, professional organizations, governing agencies, and local laws related to the area of responsibility
• Motor vehicle operations, traffic rules and regulations, and maintenance of motor vehicles

Skill/Ability

• Demonstrate interpersonal and verbal skills to defuse emotional situations, calm upset individuals, allay fears, and lessen confusion
• Give full attention to others, listen, ask questions, and avoid inappropriate interruptions
• Demonstrate professional communication and emotional intelligence in varying work contexts
• Operate standard office equipment and computer applications
• Collect and analyze data; manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate, timely work
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with individuals served, coworkers, and community partners
• Read, understand, and prepare concise documents and reports; communicate policies clearly
• Make arithmetical computations and tabulations; market programs and services
• Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking; adhere to policies and guidelines
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information

A Bachelor's degree in social work or related human services field with one year of experience providing casework services to children or families is required. Experience as a foster/adoptive parent could substitute for formal casework experience. Individuals possessing the required education yet lacking the necessary experience may be hired as a Trainee.

The work environment characteristics described herein represent those an employee encounters while performing the position's essential functions. The employee regularly works in an office environment and occasionally in the field. Due to the nature of the work, the incumbent may be exposed to situations of a highly emotional nature; incumbents are expected to use verbal skills to resolve interpersonal situations to achieve desired results independently.

Incumbents are exposed to various living situations and lifestyles. Work is generally completed regularly during…