Post Permanency Support Specialist

Job Location: FOSTER CARE SUPPORT, 1818 E Sky Harbor Circle North, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Salary: $22.60/hour ($47,008.62 annually)

About the role

The Adoption and Guardianship Subsidy Case Manager provides senior-level case management with direct and indirect assistance to hard-to-place adoptive children and their families. This position reviews applications to determine eligibility for respective programs, creates cases in software systems to allow for payments and insurance coverage, and provides ongoing support and advocacy to families.

Responsibilities

• Determines eligibility of hard-to-place children in adoptive or guardianship homes for adoption or guardianship assistance using federal and state criteria.
• Supports the integration and stability of the child with the adoptive family.
• Provides adoptive parents with resources available through public and private entities.
• Documents each "special condition" of the child on the adoption subsidy agreement.
• Provides case management and crisis intervention services to adoptive families of children who meet the "legal definition of a child with special needs."
• Delivers comprehensive senior-level case management services to prevent adoption disruptions and support the family unit through needed social services.
• Consults with behavioral health and medical professionals, adoptive parents, school personnel, and DCS staff to identify service levels required to maintain children in their family unit.
• Completes all required documentation for approved cases to comply with state and federal requirements.
• Ensures adoption subsidy agreements are executed prior to finalization of the adoption.
• Informs adoptive parents of appeal rights if services are reduced, terminated, or denied, and prepares cases for appeal hearings.
• Provides training and technical assistance to adoptive parents and adoption workers on department policies and procedures.
• Educates DCS permanency staff on the adoption subsidy application process, documentation requirements, statutory time frames, and prior authorization requirements.
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of processes in computer software systems to enable payments and medical coverage.
• Reviews and resolves high-profile case-specific issues and concerns.
• Collaborates with the Office of the Attorney General, DCS Central Office administrators, medical and behavioral health professionals, and school personnel to resolve case-specific issues at the lowest level of intervention.
• Performs other duties as assigned related to the position.

Requirements

• Knowledge of complex federal and state adoption laws, regulations, and policies.
• Understanding of family dynamics, child development, and behavior.
• Awareness of sources of family conflict and community social service resources to support adoptive families.
• Familiarity with appropriate treatment for approved special service subsidies.
• Skills in interviewing and helping adoptive families address problems that could disrupt placements.
• Case management skills to maintain documentation and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, families, and professionals from other agencies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to conduct training and interpret program policies, procedures, and rules.

Qualifications

The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or another social science program and previous experience in adoptions or child welfare.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.
• If driving is required, possession of a valid driver’s license and compliance with driver’s license requirements.
• Successful completion of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation time accrued at 4:00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrued at 3:42 hours bi-weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Paid Parental Leave program.

Retirement

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.