Post Adoption Specialist

Mission Statement

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

General Purpose of Job

To provide ongoing support and case management for children and families with finalized adoptions. This position provides direct support to families who have adopted special needs children and need case management or service delivery, while adhering to relevant legal and policy requirements governing adoptions. The purpose is to evaluate, coordinate and ensure that the necessary services and treatment are provided, complete required contact with adoptive families and document in the case record, and provide educational and networking opportunities through support groups.

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

• Contact adoptive families within 60 days of the adoption finalization hearing to assess their adjustment and needs
• During the first six months of adoption finalization, after the initial contact within 60 days, contact the family at least once (by phone or in person) and check on their progress and assess their needs
• Contact adoptive families by phone one year following the adoption finalization hearing to inquire how things are going and assess their needs
• Facilitate quarterly adoption support groups for adoptive families which may include but are not limited to social activities, training, and information on community services
• Respond to incoming post adoption inquiries
• Respond to abuse investigations received on post adoption families by contacting the assigned Child Protective Investigator to share information and the adoptive family to see assess their needs
• Process all annual surveys for families who adopted a child with jurisdiction from Lee County

• Research requests from adoptive families and make recommendations to the Adoption Specialist as to the need for additional services (enhanced subsidy or other services)
• Refer adoptive families to community services based on their needs
• Attend pre-service training for potential adoptive parents as needed to introduce families to the supports and services provided by the position post adoption finalization
• Assist in any case where the adoption is at risk of disruption or dissolution by referring for services to help avoid the disruption/dissolution

• Assist in recruitment and retention activities
• Complete timely adoption home studies pursuant to the requirements of law and DCF and CNHC policies for families expressing an interest in adopting children with characteristics of children in care and available for adoption as defined by Florida Administrative Code
• Ensure FSFN is updated with 2 business days to reflect any changes reported by the adoptive family
• Display understanding of, and sensitivity to, service populations cultural and socioeconomic characteristics
• Provide documentation and data on adoption activities
• Conduct home visits to ensure engagement and progress of children/families, as needed\
• Adherence of all data collection into FSFN
• Produce periodic reports as requested
• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested

Working Hours

CNHCs work week is Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Your supervisor will advise you of your work hours; however, business office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Travel

Travel in and outside of Circuit 13 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 supervisory responsibilities

Education and Experience

• A bachelors degree from a four-year accredited college or university with a minimum of two (2) years of child welfare related experience OR an advanced degree in social work or a comparable human service field
• Child welfare certification is preferred
• Must have a working knowledge of community services in the local five (5) county area. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships is also a must
• Adoption Competency training (preferred)

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.

• Valid drivers license required, with proof of insurance, and a clean drivers check
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Childrens 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: Childrens Network of Hillsborough, LLC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO: Childrens 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.

Childrens Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.