Social Worker, Adoptive Parent Services

• Title: Social Worker, Adoptive Parent Services
• Reports to: Associate Director, Domestic Adoption Programs
• Department: Domestic Adoption Programs

Primary Purpose

This position is based at Spence-Chapin’s Manhattan office and will work closely with the Senior Director of Domestic Adoption Programs. The Social Worker will provide clinical support and guidance to prospective adoptive parents pursuing infant adoption through Spence-Chapin’s Domestic Adoption Program.

This individual will provide parent preparation by conducting monthly orientations to new prospective parents, facilitate matching and placement services, and case management of approximately 100 adoptive families.

The ideal candidate must possess excellent organizational and communication skills, program management and an enthusiasm to connect with diverse communities. This individual is an excellent written and verbal communicator, and skilled at client engagement.

The ideal candidate is energetic, skilled multi-tasker, create problem solver, and positive team player. This is a full-time, in-person position with an annual salary range of $62,000-71,000.

Spence-Chapin is a non-profit organization based in New York City that has been providing adoption services and adoption support for more than 115 years. At Spence-Chapin, we believe that every child deserves a family, and we work tirelessly to advocate for children in need of a permanent, loving home.

Over our history, Spence-Chapin has served more than 30,000 children, women, and families through our main program areas: Comprehensive Domestic and International Adoption Programs; Birth Parent Services; Well-being Services; and International Humanitarian Aid through programs like our Granny Program to support children living in orphanages overseas.

Our work is made possible by the dedicated individuals on our staff. At Spence-Chapin we find joy in celebrating each other, our co-workers, and our clients. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity to strengthen the vibrancy of our community.

We celebrate a culture of excellence, inclusivity, compassion, flexibility, and support.

Spence-Chapin offers a competitive benefits package that includes full health benefits, generous PTO and holiday schedule, HRA & FSA plans, life insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, paid maternity/paternity/ adoption leave, commuter benefits, and more.

Being part of the Spence-Chapin team is being part of a legacy, which for more than 115 years has provided critical services to children, women, and families around the world.

Key Performance Indicators

Domestic Adoption Home Study Services

Conduct home study assessments and write home study reports for families pursuing adoption. This requires the application of clinical skills and judgment

Conduct Home Visits During Home Study Assessments

• Conduct post-placement/post-adoption visits and reporting. Assess the transition of the child and adoptive family and teach families tools to promote optimal child development and attachment
• Document all client communication in client database
• Facilitate programming, workshops, training, and presentations on adoption and child development
• Provide education, counseling, and case management to pre-adoptive families throughout their adoption process
• Provide direct client services/social services that require the use of clinical skills and judgment
• Participate in on-call weekend coverage approximately every 7-8 weeks
• Actively participate in weekly supervision with direct supervisor
• Participate in organization-wide events

Education & Experience

• MSW from an accredited school of social work
• A minimum of two years MSW experience
• NYS license to practice social work
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Technical Skills
• MS Office –Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with database platforms and entering case notes
• Key Competencies
• Demonstrated strong clinical and assessment skills
• Strong oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with ability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to multitask; strong execution skills; thorough follow through and attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills; critical thinking and problem solving
• Must be willing to travel frequently between New York City and Long Island for case work
• Prior home study assessment experience and familiarity with OCFS 5200 home study form a plus

This job description is not intended to detail every aspect of your job or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills required to do this job successfully.