Adoption Specialist (north region)

Highly rewarding opportunity to work with children and families, providing adoption support services throughout the state of Illinois. Guide the process, working with an incredible team of professionals, in providing quality assurance and timeliness to the adoption services process.

Illinois MENTOR is a leading home- and community-based human services provider. We offer innovative programs to youth of all ages with emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and medically complex needs. Through a range of personalized supports, we empower the individuals and families we serve to learn, grow and thrive.

SUMMARY

Serve as dedicated resource to support Adoption process within the northern region of the state (Matteson/Rockford). Serve as representative of company with prospective families, children, and other agencies. Liaise between legal, clinical, and case management professionals while ensuring an efficient and timely process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain working partnerships with DFCS and regional adoption resources.

• Work with Supervisors and Caseworkers to complete comprehensive home study evaluation.

• Ensure home evaluations meet criteria defined by state and contract; complete adoption subsidies; submit with adoption packet to DCFS Adoption Unit for review and approval.

• Obtain all documents, references, forms, etc. required for a background check on assigned cases.

• Facilitate pre-placement staffing and assist in development of visitation calendar.

• Work closely with legal counsel to ensure all proper documentation is completed and notarized.
• Ensure that all in-home visits are conducted within 24 hours of placement of child/children.
• Ensure that all post-placement supervision visits are conducted on a semi-monthly basis in the early stages of placement, then monthly thereafter until finalization.
• Ensure staff attendance at permanency hearings and finalizations at court; obtain Adoption Decree.
• Complete Foster-to-Adopt Conversions as they arise.
• Coordinate staff participation in ACRs, Child and Family Team Meetings.
• Work closely with legal counsel to ensure all proper documentation is completed and notarized.

• Work with AICI (Adoption Information Center of Illinois) to locate matches if child is not in a pre-adoptive placemen

• BA in Human Services-related field (sociology, psychology…)
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Adoption services and/or Child Case Work
• A passion for excellence with a commitment to quality adoption services
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to re-prioritize and an eye for detail
• Exceptional relationship management skills; effective communication skills with an ability to influence

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation/benefits package including 401(k) with company matching
• Annual performance-based bonus plan
• A rewarding work environment with some of the best co-workers you could ask for
• Competitive Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Family-oriented environment
• Dynamic work environment, no day is ever the same as the next
• Advancement opportunities within our nation-wide Network

EOE/AAE

We have a great work environment and you’ll be surrounded with a strong and supportive team of peers, leaders and colleagues. Illinois MENTOR is a partner of The MENTOR Network, a national network of local human services providers offering quality, community-based services. With ~28,000 employees serving ~25,000 consumers in 36 states, you'll have career opportunities from coast to coast. When you join The MENTOR Network, you’ll make a difference every day and help to provide quality of life enhancing services to individuals across the country.

Come join our team of dedicated and caring professionals. Apply Today!