DescriptionSUMMARY:
The Post Adoption Specialist is responsible for managing ongoing services to birth parents, adoptive families, and adult adoptees as they navigate a wide range of adoption-related issues after placement. This role provides individualized support through various forms of media, offering crisis intervention, clinical consultation, counseling, risk assessments, resource coordination, and follow-up services. The specialist also ensures timely documentation, maintains compliance with applicable sections of the Texas Family Code, collaborates with legal and internal teams, and serves as a clinical resource to staff while participating in ongoing training and outreach efforts.
JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maintain ongoing availability and support for adoptive parents, adoptive families, adoptees, birth parents, and their families seeking post adoption services.
- Ensure timely and appropriate responses to service requests through phone, email, or other communication channels.
- Provide crisis support and intervention as needed.
- Develop rapport with clients and offer counseling, intervention, and consultation services.
- Assess family functioning, including evaluation of risk and protective factors.
- Identify and share appropriate community and agency resources with clients.
- Conduct follow-up with families who have received services to determine ongoing needs or confirm resolution.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all post adoption contacts and services using designated systems (e.g., SUGAR).
- Oversee compliance with Texas Family Code Sections 162.006, 162.018, and 162.022 regarding post adoption services and records access.
- Facilitate the release of records to individuals legally entitled to receive them.
- Attend all relevant meetings including staff, departmental, legal, and impromptu discussions related to post adoption services.
- Provide clinical insight, consultation, and support to staff regarding adoptive cases from a post adoption perspective.
- Collaborate with in-house legal counsel on matters requiring legal clarification or presenting potential legal implications.
- Participate in agency-led seminars, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Ensure completion of at least 20 hours of annual training in accordance with licensing standards.
- Support post adoption family training, outreach, and social networking events through media engagement and in-person involvement.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community-based referral sources for family and client support services.
- Create and facilitate support groups for Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents and Adult Adoptees.
- Perform other duties and special projects assigned to support organizational objectives and enhance operational efficiency.
QualificationsMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
- Three years of professional experience in Social Work.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, and other digital platforms.
- Strong administrative skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
- Detail-oriented, self-directed, and motivated with the capacity for continued learning and professional growth.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities.
- Demonstrates high standards of confidentiality, trustworthiness, discretion, and professionalism.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proactive and able to multitask while ensuring timely completion of projects.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to high-quality service delivery.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
- Current licensure in the State of Texas as an LPC, LMFT, or LCSW.
- Demonstrates energy, spark, and enthusiasm in working with clients and colleagues
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Regular interaction with individuals experiencing emotional distress, requiring a calm and compassionate presence.
- Exposure to sensitive or traumatic information during counseling and case management.
- Frequent use of computer, phone, and other office equipment for documentation, virtual sessions, and communication.
- Must be able to manage a dynamic caseload and adjust to changing priorities and client needs.
- Operate primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with a fast-paced workflow, requiring the ability to shift between tasks, manage frequent interruptions, and meet time-sensitive deadlines efficiently.
- Regular, punctual attendance is essential for maintaining efficient service delivery.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during client sessions, meetings, and computer work.
- Must be able to drive for prolonged periods when conducting field visits or community outreach.
- Occasionally required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., case files, laptop, training materials).
- Requires sustained concentration and emotional resilience when working with clients experiencing grief, trauma, or crisis
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Gladney Center for Adoption is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these factors. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
