This position is responsible for the case management of prospective adoptive families in the private, voluntary, infant adoption program. This position also provides services connected to international adoption study and supervision. Responsible for providing post adoption services to members of the triad from past agency adoptions. The Infant Adoption Specialist plans, prepares and implements adoption services.

Wage Range: $21.15/hour - $24.33/hour

Are you passionate about discovering new ways to help empower people and make a difference in their lives?

If you’ve got what it takes to support us in our mission to provide help and create hope through innovative, collaborative, and diverse programs within the community, then we’ve got the right opportunity for you.

About Catholic Charities West Michigan

Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM) is a community-based agency providing programs in Western Michigan and offering a variety of services in family preservation, behavioral health, child welfare, and community outreach.

• CCWM is committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all staff are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• CCWM encourages persons of diverse backgrounds and faiths to apply for employment.

• Conducts orientation, education and assessments of prospective adoptive families.
• Provides services based on assessment of prospective adoptive families.
• Provides support during the waiting period to prospective adoptive families.
• Provides guidance and support to prospective adoptive parents during their match and hospital experience. 
• Coordinates with the Pregnancy Counseling and Support Program and their services to birthmothers seeking adoptive placement for their newborns.
• Coordinates all legal filing for placement with the family division of the appropriate county court.
• Attends and testifies at court hearings.
• Provides supervision to adoptive families and makes recommendations to the court regarding finalization of adoptive placement.
• Provides ongoing support, guidance and referral to adoptive families in the years following placement.
• Provides post adoption search services for all members of the triad for past adoptive placements.
• Adheres to the policies and procedures of Catholic Charities West Michigan and operates under the standards set by our Child Placing Agency License and the Michigan Adoption Code.
• Attends supervision, adoption, program, agency meetings and other meetings, as required.
• Performs pre-placements assessments and supervision for international adoptions cases.
• Coordinates with prospective adoptive families and attorneys to provide services in conjunction with designated adoptive placements.
• Markets the program to community partners. 
• Drives for Agency business.
• Performs other special assignments at supervisor’s request.

• Knowledge or direct counseling, therapeutic services, Michigan adoption laws, and child welfare programs.
• Knowledge of computer systems and relevant software.
• Ability to make appropriate assessments and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain records, and evaluate client data.
• Ability to work with community organizations and use community resources to meet client needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner.
• This position requires reliable transportation. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record with zero work restrictions.
• Must have personal auto insurance as required by law with minimum bodily injury coverage limits of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per incident or $500,000 combined. 
• Must be willing to work irregular hours including evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Must submit to agency approved background checks.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the staff member is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The staff member is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The staff member, on occasion, may be asked to move or lift items up to 40 pounds in weight.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily office based, however, on occasion may require travel to other Agency offices and/or client homes as required by position responsibilities and/or Agency management. This position will be routinely exposed to typical office noise levels and/or exposure to various weather conditions.

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of related experience in human services is highly preferred.

Professional Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Our Mission

Inspired by the Church's social teachings, Catholic Charities West Michigan fosters individuals and families to flourish by providing help and creating hope.

Our Vision

Catholic Charities West Michigan is called to create a just and compassionate community where all people can achieve their divine purpose.

Our Values

• Sanctity of All Life
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Respect
• Equity

CCWM is an equal opportunity employer, subject to all federal and state laws as applicable to a religious Agency.