Foster Care Adoption Resource Specialist

Join a team that makes a difference in the US foster care system

NAA is seeking a Foster Care & Adoption Resource Specialist to join its team

Overview:

The Foster Care & Adoption Resource (FCAR) Specialist is responsible for providing families with general information about the process for becoming a foster and/or adoptive parent and referring them to local resources to meet the need of children/youth living in the U.S. foster care system. This impacts families and children because it is important for everyone to know the requirements and options as well as where to obtain additional information relevant to the important decision regarding foster care and adoption. AdoptUSKids operates toll-free English and Spanish phone lines from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday for families to call to speak with an FCAR Specialist. FCAR Specialists also responds to families who contact AdoptUSKids via email, social media, and chat.

Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), human services, or closely related field OR Equivalent work experience in human services, foster care adoption, child welfare, or related field.

· Two years of experience (professional or internship) in public child welfare, adoption, foster care, kinship care or closely related field preferred.

· Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred.

· Lived experience in foster care adoption is a plus.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Positive and professional demeanor with excellent communication abilities.
• Passion for adoption and foster care.
• Passion for working on behalf of the children, families and jurisdictions served by AdoptUSKids.
• Commitment to providing quality customer service.
• Ability to recognize and prioritize agency workflow needs.
• Ability to make reliable independent decisions that are consistent with NAA standards and AdoptUSKids goals and objectives.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a professional team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and comfort with database systems.
• Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills.

Role and Responsibilities:

1. Maintenance, Support, and Enhancement of the Professional Element of the Established AdoptUSKids National Adoption and Foster Care Information Exchange System (NAFCIES).

· As assigned, connect with, and assist state administrators, territories and tribal leaders, their designees and staff in accessing AdoptUSKids resources and services. Assist child welfare professionals upon request by phone and email.

· Facilitate shared opportunities for professional peer-to-peer support.

· Establish, develop, and sustain a strong professional working relationship with AdoptUSKids Partners and others who support the mission of AdoptUSKids.

1. Support and expansion of the AdoptUSKids Established Family Element of the National Adoption and Foster Care Information Exchange System (NAFCIES).

· Together with the National Recruitment Response Manager and other FCAR Specialists, develop, use, and continuously improve the READiS model tools and talking points.

· Answer incoming calls, respond to emails and online chats from prospective foster and adoptive families, sharing, as appropriate information with families about the characteristics of youth waiting to be adopted and state specific foster care and adoption processes and services. Refer families to appropriate state, county or private agency staff for follow-up and processing. Make follow up calls to inquiring families to assist in connecting them to their state.

· Process and review home study related information for verification of families who are newly registering on the AUSK website or updating families during the re-verification process.

· Follow up with all families who have additional concerns, request additional information, have not received the information packet, or have not heard from their State.

· Identify families to be approved to become AdoptUSKids Media Spokes People. Suggest to those who want to tell their story that they consider becoming AdoptUSKids Media Spokes People.

1. Support and Development of AdoptUSKids.

· Partner with the National Recruitment Response Manager to collect, organize and provide data for use in the AdoptUSKids project.

· Provide back up for other specialists in their absence and as needed.

· Provide planning support and participate in the annual National Adoption Month event held in Washington, DC.

· Participate in trainings, team meetings and other professional development activities as needed, requested, or required for the full installation and support of the READiS model.

· As assigned, research and become knowledgeable about the tailored needs of and resources for U.S. military, American families living abroad, foreign nationals, Native American, African American, Spanish speaking families, persons with disabilities and LGBT. Utilize NACAC’s designated person to provide support and information to LGBT parents.

1. Communication.

· Review all new and revised photolisting narratives to ensure the safety, privacy, and dignity of all youth photolisted on the AdoptUSKids platform.

· Provide communication, education, and capacity building support to the writers of photolisting narratives that violate best practices in strength-based narrative writing and ensure that all concerning content has been addressed and modified.

· Forward media requests directly to the National Campaign Director.

· Assist in the identification of potential families to participate in National Adoption Recruitment Campaign research focus groups, Voice for Adoption Family Portrait Project, and other activities in response to requests from AdoptUSKids Partners and external colleagues.

· Send updates to Digital Media Team regarding families who wish to receive or unsubscribe from mass electronic communications.

· Identify families to feature in the e-newsletter for frontline professionals, confirm the family’s interest, and confirm the appropriateness of the family with their worker.

Additional Notes:

Work is expected to be performed remotely with the requirement of travel 1-2 times per year within the US for meetings. NAA conducts background checks on all employees.

Benefits and Compensation:

The Foster Care Adoption Resource Specialist salary is $50,000. As a member of our team, you will not only receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including a gold health plan, dental & vision insurance (100% employer paid for employees); employer retirement plan contribution; and professional development opportunities, among others. You will also enjoy your work - knowing you are a part of a dedicated group of professionals making an impact.

NAA is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

How to Apply:

No phone calls please. Apply online at Foster Care Adoption Resource Specialist with a cover letter and resume by August 26, 2024.

Please note - applications without cover letters will not be considered.

About NAA:

Founded in 1982 under the name Adoption Exchange Association, the National Adoption Association is the country's premier national association of adoption professionals and organizations. NAA is the only national association focused exclusively on supporting the educational needs of those in the adoption profession. The organization serves adoption exchanges, private child-placing agencies, and public child welfare systems by engaging members in national discussions to eliminate barriers to foster care adoption and share best practices. Our mission is leaders advancing best practices in adoption from foster care. Our vision is to build the premier network of professionals and agencies to create innovative strategies and solutions so that every child has a permanent loving family. www.adoptnaa.org

NAA Racial Equity Statement:

As leaders in child welfare, we recognize systemic racism creates disparities that negatively impact our staff as well as the children and families we serve. NAA is committed to listening, learning, and taking actions to advance racial equity by:

· Continually and intentionally recruiting, hiring, and supporting diverse staff, including consultants and vendors;

· Using a racial equity lens in all of our programmatic work;

· Evaluating our organizational policies and procedures to ensure that they are antiracist[1];

· Allowing staff to be their authentic selves.

[1] Anti-Racism is defined as the work of actively opposing racism by advocating for changes in political, economic, and social life. Anti-racism tends to be an individualized approach and set up in opposition to individual racist behaviors and impacts. Source: ProInspire sourcedRace Reporting Guide by Race Forward_V1.1.pdf