Adoption Specialist

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job

The Adoption Specialist is responsible for working with the Overlay and Recruitment teams to provide quality review for the subsidy determination and assist in identifying barriers to permanency.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Review adoption home study and subsidy packets for compliance and approval
• Process enhanced subsidy requests and assist Overlay teams with barriers to submission.
• Facilitate 90 day staffings of all cases in the adoption units and identify barriers.
• Participate in/Facilitate required staffings, to include sibling separation, AARC and formal match staffings.
• Process Subsidy Increases, referral and Medicaid Issues (Post Adoption only)
• Review abuse reports received on post-adopt families and ensure appropriate follow-up, as needed (Post Adoption only
• Assist with trainings as needed

• Role of the Adoption Specialist when conducting staffings of any type:
• Whenever possible, review relevant case information in advance to gain knowledge of the most current issues (Clerk of Court, FSFN, ASK etc.)
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times
• Maintain neutrality without alliance to any of the parties
• Engage all attendees’ participation in the meeting by requesting their perspective on the matters being discussed
• Listen objectively and consider all opinions provided
• Step in and mediate immediately if there are obvious personal attacks
• Be flexible and balance the need for participation with the need to keep things running efficiently and within the allotted timeframe
• Pay attention to group behavior, both verbal and non-verbal
• Recommendations / plans that are developed must be aligned with statute, code, policy and require either consensus by all participating attendees or approval by the court
• Chair the Adoption Applicant Review Committee
• Technical Assistance
• Provide technical assistance on federal and state laws, rules, and programmatic and procedural issues
• Identify technical assistance needs
• Provide programmatic expertise for adoptions programs
• Assure that best practices are being implemented
• Provide analysis utilizing FSFN reports
• Perform any other activities as needed by the CNHC
• Participate in program monitoring as needed
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested
  

Working Hours

CNHC’s believes in work life balance for all employees. This is an in-office position, Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm averaging forty (40) hours per week. Working hours may vary based on business needs.

Travel

Travel in and outside of Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County) is required.

Training

All employees must complete fifteen (15) hours of on-line or classroom Training on an annual basis. If the employee is a Certified Child Welfare Professional, Training hours must total twenty (20) annually.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university; and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience in a child welfare related field.
• Child welfare certification is preferred
• Excellent case management and organizational skills a must
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others
  
  

Skills And Abilities

The individual must be detail-oriented, with excellent networking and interpersonal abilities, including communication, facilitation, collaborative problem-solving, planning, consensus building, and conflict resolution. They should effectively communicate and express ideas with staff and clients, write reports and correspondence, and speak confidently in various settings, including courtrooms and large groups. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to develop placement and transition plans collaboratively while considering future consequences of decisions. The role also involves analyzing data related to child safety, recognizing risks, and understanding the impact of bonding and attachment during critical developmental periods. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, computer skills, and the ability to research, interpret, and present specialized information are essential, along with strong analytical, organizational, and consensus-building capabilities.

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Must meet the Children’s Network requirements for certification as a credentialed Child Welfare Case Manager within one year of hire into the position unless exempted by Children’s Network management.
• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Clean Driver’s License check is a requirement (annually)
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify
  
  

Other Requirements

Language Skills

The ability to read, understand, and effectively communicate child welfare policies and procedures is essential. Professionals must accurately interpret policies, clearly convey them to stakeholders, and consistently apply them in case management. This ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards, minimizes errors, and supports informed decision-making. Additionally, the capacity to explain policies in an accessible manner to families and team members is key to fostering transparency and building trust.

Mathematical Skills

Demonstrates strong mathematical skills essential for analyzing data, managing budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency. Proficient in performing financial calculations, interpreting statistical data, and developing forecasts, they support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Their expertise includes working with complex metrics, identifying trends, and evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure informed operational adjustments.

Reasoning Ability

Must exhibit strong reasoning abilities to evaluate complex cases, assess barriers to permanency, and develop effective strategies for resolution. This role requires the capacity to analyze data, interpret policies, and apply sound judgment to make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of children and families. The ability to think critically and anticipate potential challenges is essential, as is adapting to dynamic situations while maintaining focus on achieving permanency goals. Possess the ability to support collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational and legal standards.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel among agency locations, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA: Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO: Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember: If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current Supervisor, prior to applying.