Join a dynamic, fast-paced, inclusive and supportive workplace focused on high quality services to children and families in our community.

Salary: $ 47,840.00

Supportive work environment

Excellent benefits

• Among the highest compensation of any agency in the area
• All staff paid hourly/overtime work receives overtime pay
• Additional $40/day for on-call duties if applicable to position
• Flexible workplace, hybrid remote/in-office duties after six months depending on position
• Comprehensive medical including basic vision; employee pays 20% of the premium monthly plus additional for spouse/dependents
• Dental benefits with employer contribution
• 11 paid holidays plus an extra day for your birthday and a floating holiday
• 12 - 24 paid days off, depending on length of service
• Mileage reimbursed at federal rate of 65.5 cents
• Monthly phone stipend $20-$40 per month depending on position
• 403b Retirement Plan with agency matching contributions
• Cost of living pay increases annually; merit increases at time of evaluation
• Annual bonuses to staff as finances allow
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance benefits premiums paid in full by employer
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary identity theft insurance
• Additional vision insurance beyond what is included with medical

 Your Development

· Licensure supervision for social workers

· Opportunities for growth and professional development,

including between $500 - $1,000 reimbursement for

training/CEU’s/tuition costs related to position

· Employer-provided monthly reflective supervision to

support the complex needs of social services staff and

supervisors in their work with children and families

Our Values

· Commitment to greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our work

· Emphasis on positive workplace culture and teamwork

· Ethical, non-coercive practices in adoption

· Vocal advocates for social and political change benefiting children and families

· Recognized since 2011 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s All Children, All Families program for supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families

Job Details

Hands Across The Water is a licensed, non-profit child placing agency. The Adoption Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day needs of a caseload of state adoption cases and for ensuring compliance of said cases with the applicable provisions of all governing rules. This position maintains a caseload of youth legally free for adoption from the child welfare system. The Adoption Specialist provides case support and assessment and support of children awaiting adoption as well as to families interested in adopting children served by the program. This position may also be assigned the foster care cases of children awaiting adoption as well as foster care cases of temporary court wards as necessary to meet departmental needs.

This position requires significant travel including in-office, in-home, and outside of office work, often during non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends, as well as periodic on-call duties. As such, this position is eligible for remote office hours after 6 months of positive completion of training/orientation period, depending on the needs of the Program and agency.

The Adoption Specialist shall complete a CWTI PSI (Child Welfare Training Institute Pre-Service Institute) training that includes a total of 12 weeks of competence-based classroom and field training. 

Hands Across The Water does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or a matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, political beliefs or mental or physical disability.

Minimum degree REQUIRED is a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Child Development, Human Services, Family Studies, Education, Gerontology, Forensic Psychology, Social Science or related field. Experience in a professional setting with youth and families required. Strong written and oral communication skills, professionalism, organizational skills and comfort with computer technology/database entry is required.

Appropriate candidate for this position must have the ability to handle stress well, have the ability to be an active listener with good clinical observation and evaluation skills, be flexible and able to handle change, be a team player yet able to work independently, able to multi-task, and maintain case responsibility and follow-through with multiple competing demands. Adoption Specialist will demonstrate a commitment to the training, preparation and support of adoptive families and a commitment to the belief that all children deserve lifelong family connections. Knowledge of the adoption process and available supportive resources for youth and families in Michigan is preferred.

Candidate may not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire, or be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. The Adoption Specialist shall possess a valid Driver’s License, positive driving record and proof of automobile insurance.

Candidate with CWTI foster care and/or adoption training to receive a signing bonus. Please submit resume WITH cover letter detailing why you are interested in this position.