Adoption Specialist

About the Role

As the Adoption Specialist, you will Shine Hope in the lives of children and families through the provision of recruiting, training, developing and matching adoptive families with children in foster care. You will be responsible for facilitating the placement and adoption of children in the care of TDFPS statewide (Waiting Texas Children) as well as the Domestic Infant Adoption. You will also establish and build supportive and nurturing relationships with clients; Provide therapeutic services to the child and adoptive parents, before, during and after the adoption; provides services as prescribed by licensing standards and Texas law.

What you will do

As a member of our team you will have an impact on our clients through accomplishment of the following responsibilities:

• Obtain, review, screen and update pertinent information about Buckner WTC families desiring to adopt children in the guardianship of TDFPS and Buckner DIA families desiring to adopt a child privately with Buckner.

• Obtain and review pertinent information about TDFPS children waiting adoptive placement. Also review TARE children and submit appropriate families for consideration.

• Review information on children in order to assess a prospective family's ability to provide a safe, loving home that can meet the child's needs in the DIA and WTC programs.

• Supervise adoptive families from home study approval until finalization in the DIA and WTC programs.

• Attend TDFPS placement meetings and make recommendations for matching and selection of TDPFS children with Buckner WTC families.

• Participate in child placing decisions for children being placed in adoptive homes.

• Advocate for Buckner families to TDFPS staff to increase the number of children placed in Buckner WTC homes for the purpose of adoption.

• Assist adoptive families in the development of family profiles as they are used in placement considerations in both the WTC and DIA programs.

• Effectively develop and monitor family dynamics and treatment plans.

• Participate in the planning for adoptive family support groups. Effectively lead appropriate and professional support groups for clients as needed.

As a 5 STARS team member, you'll bring to the team:

To be successful in this role and a great addition to our team we need you to come with the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required.

• Minimum of 1-3 years prior related experience required.

• Applicant should qualify as child placement staff based on the TDFPS Minimum Standards for Child Placing Agencies.

• Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner's insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.

• Shining hope in others. (Your friendly attitude and willingness to learn is more important than a year's experience!)

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the amazing qualifications and experiences listed above, if we had our say, we would also look for:

• Master's Degree in a related field preferred

• Social work licensure or professional counseling licensure preferred.

• A commitment to your own professional growth and development to enhance program services.

• A willingness and desire to build and maintain excellent working relationships with your co-workers, volunteers, and the community that we rely on to support our programs.

Our 5 STARS Perks:

• Medical and Dental benefits for associates and their eligible dependents.

• Payactiv, early access paid wages

• Life insurance.

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits.

• Paid Time Off and Holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Retirement Savings Plan.

• The 5 STARS Fun Benefit: encourages employees to spread good cheer to their co-workers and others, creating a happy, healthy environment for all!

Benefits eligibility is based on number of hours worked each week.

EEO.

The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants - with respect. Buckner is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Buckner.