Adoption Home Study Support Specialist

Job Description and Purpose

The Adoption Home Study Support Specialist plays a critical role in assisting prospective adoptive parent clients navigate the administrative aspects of the home study and adoption process in a manner that is consistent with the mission and goals of the agency and is an integral member of the Adoptive Parent Services Team. The Adoption Home Study Support Specialist is the first point of contact at The Cradle for prospective adoptive parents, responding to prospective adoptive parent inquiries and facilitating Information Meetings.

This position is expected to contribute positively to overall culture within the organization and to work collaboratively with colleagues in all departments.

Essential Functions

Client Facing (35%)

• Serve as initial contact for clients considering applying to The Cradle for their home study and/or placement services.
• Host Information Meetings and respond to email, web, and phone inquiries from prospective adoptive parent clients.
• Support adoptive parent applicants in the completion and submission of documents necessary for the home study process.
• Assist clients in obtaining required background checks.

Administrative Support (65%)

• Create and maintain hard copy client files and digital records in client database.
• Collaborate closely with Adoptive Parent Counselors conducting home study assessments.
• Identify and schedule family guest speakers for Information Meetings and other adoptive parent training courses.
• Support the course instructors in sending pre and post course activities and tracking client course completions.
• Conduct file reviews as needed.
• Point of contact for adoption attorneys and interstate adoptions in sending and receiving necessary documents to process and finalize adoptions.
• Drafts initial Reports of Investigation prior to counselor and supervisor review.
• Create and update client forms and documents.
• Interface with collateral contacts and other organizations.
• Collaborate with Marketing Team on attracting clients to the program and establishment of client profiles on The Cradle’s website.
• Attend and participate in all staff, department and team level meetings.

Minimum Requirements

The following requirements are necessary to perform the essential functions of the role.

• Commitment to The Cradle's mission and values.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a human service organization, and/or Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience providing administrative support to a team.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Skilled and effective communicator; confidence in public speaking and communicating with clients and colleagues via video call, phone, email and text.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team.
• Intermediate Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience with and comfort learning databases.

Working Conditions

• This is a fully onsite role. We are located at 2049 Ridge Avenue in Evanston.
• This position requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

Additional Requirements

• Required to undergo a background check, fingerprinting, and medical exam to meet Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) requirements.
• Requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
• Applicants must complete all Application Questions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Life insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• 403b Retirement plan