One Hope United works with children of all ages who are wards of the state due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. These children need a stable, dependable, forever home and a family they can call their own. Safe, well-educated and well-cared-for children become adults who contribute to a more prosperous community. Hundreds of abused, neglected or abandoned children need a stable, nurturing family where they can thrive. One Hope United recruits and trains foster parents and provides myriad supportive services to children and families. Foster parents can light a child’s path toward becoming a successful adult.

Under assigned supervisor, the Adoption Specialist 1 meets with families in their homes at various hours of the day including evenings, nights, and weekends, in potentially high risk neighborhoods; focuses on the prevention of inappropriate out-of-home placement, strengthening and improving family functioning, and ensuring child safety.

Position Responsibilities

• Arranges match staffings for prospective adoptive families
• Assist individuals and families in crisis in a way that promotes positive change, growth development and safety for all families
• Attends all recruitment and match events
• Attends and is prepared for internal TPR cases with supervisors and case management at least once a month
• Attends court hearings, prepares and files all court documents within required time frames
• Completes adopt only home studies, child studies, OTI and ICPC adoption home studies and subsidy files
• Conducts visits with children and prospective adoptive families that include the ongoing assessment of child safety, permanency and well-being
• Continually assesses risk of abuse, neglect and threatened harm by gathering appropriate information
• Knowledge of the Adoption Program Administrative Rule (Chapter 65C-16)
• Must see the child in the home at least twice a month upon a matched placement
• Performs adoption related responsibilities in accordance with state and federal laws, Department of Children and Families Administrative Codes and Operating Procedures, funding source policies, and internal policies on child abuse, abandonment, and neglect within required time frames

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree approved by the Florida Board (ie Behavioral Sciences, Community Development, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Education Health Science, Human Development, Human Sciences, Human Services, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology) required
• State of Florida Child Welfare Certification (CWC) required
• Knowledge of Florida Safe Families network (FSFN) adoption procedures; workable knowledge of
  community resources required
• 1 year of related child welfare experience required
• Reliable transportation required
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required
  levels of coverage for auto insurance required

We Invest In You!

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Tuition assistance up to $2500 per year
• Generous vacation and PTO plans
• Health, dental, vision, retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, Agency paid life and LTD, supplemental life insurance
• Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities
• Leadership opportunities on site-based Center Management Teams
• Company Car once company mileage requirement has been met
• Company iPhone
• Great work environment and culture
• Some of the lowest caseloads in the area!

ONE HOPE UNITED VALUES

• Do the Right Thing | We serve the best interest of our clients and staff. We act mindfully and responsibly, honoring our commitments. We’re willing to challenge the status quo.
• Fully Contribute | We bring our presence, passion, and ideas to every interaction, and we respect differing views and backgrounds so that others can do the same.

• Empower One Another | We collaborate with, care for, and encourage each other toward greater impact, treating everyone with dignity and respect
• Turn Hope into Action | We believe in the resiliency of the human spirit. We advocate for those in need and do what it takes to build a better future for all.
• Seek Impact Every Day | We make things happen, and make them count. We leverage all our resources and make data-informed decisions for maximum, sustainable results.
• Always Keep Improving | We pursue excellence in an atmosphere of innovation. We embrace change, take prudent risks, learn from failure, and recognize success.

A Different Kind Of Employer One Hope United is strong and ready to grow. Are you ready to grow with us?

• 800 talented professionals strong, serving 10,000 children and families in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Florida
• Fiscally stable, $50 Million agency- strong since 1895
• Energetic leadership and a rich community of support

One Hope United does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. One Hope United is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. OHU participates in e Verify.

Keywords: FL CWCM, child welfare, adoption

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from One Hope United, you will be required to share proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. The requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.