About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable — regardless of race, religion or creed. This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada. Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16 programs providing support to more than 4,500 people daily and encompassing
four core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services. Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada. For additional information, please visit CatholicCharities.com.
About Loving Hearts Adoption Services
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has created a separate entity for its Adoption Services Program, called Loving Hearts Adoption Services. The new name builds off nearly a century of experience in facilitating thousands of adoptions. Loving Hearts Adoption Services is an accredited adoption agency and 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that provides lifetime support to expectant families, adoptive families, and adoptees before and after placement. Through compassion, clear communication, ethical practices, and support from licensed Social Workers and staff, we are dedicated to making the best adoption plan possible for everyone involved in the adoption process.
Position Summary
The Adoption Social Worker is employed by Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and provides services to Loving Hearts Adoption Services. The Adoption Social Worker is responsible for day-to-day work related to Adoption cases. The primary focus of the Adoption Social Worker is to provide education, support, and adoption services to birth families, adoptive families, and adoptees throughout all phases of the adoption process. This position requires the applicant to be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Nevada.
Essential Responsibilities
- Train, support, and assess readiness of prospective adoptive parents and birthparents to ensure that all appropriate legal compliance is met.
- Adhere to program standards, procedures, and department budget.
- Facilitate support groups.
- Assist with the drafting and completion of paperwork for all stages of the adoption process.
- Provide information regarding the adoption process to expectant parents and birth parents.
- Provide information regarding the adoption process to prospective adoptive applicants.
- Conduct intakes with expectant parents considering adoption and participate in compiling case file documentation.
- Conduct intakes with prospective adoptive parents and participate in compiling case file documentation.
- Schedule and perform the home study process under direct supervision by the Director.
- Facilitate matches between expectant parents considering placement and prospective adoptive parents.
- Work closely with hospital staff. Participate in discharge process at hospital.
- Facilitate and witness relinquishment of parental rights paperwork with birth parents.
- Facilitate placement process and required paperwork with adoptive families.
- Schedule and conduct required in-home supervision visits for each adoptive placement.
- Share responsibility of being on call outside of regular business hours to handle urgent matters.
- Represent agency at finalization hearings and other court proceedings.
- Help to facilitate and participate in the Adoptive Parent Education classes.
- Help to facilitate and participate in agency events.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client contacts, records, and case work.
- Represent agency in ethical, professional, and positive manner at all times.
- Protect all confidential information, company property and electronic data. Comply with safety rules.
- Collect fees or arrange for fee collection from applicants when due.
- Adhere to NASW Code of Ethics, ensuring professional conduct, integrity, and ethical decision-making.
- Other related duties as directed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be able to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment.
- Must be able to solve problems by analyzing complex situations, identifying key issues, and developing effective solutions.
- Must be able to effectively handle the highly charged emotions of clients as well as personal emotions raised by the adoption process, crisis pregnancy, substance abuse and poverty.
- Must have a strong sense of focus and be task-oriented and non-judgmental with a clear sense of personal boundaries.
- Strong knowledge of adoption-related state laws, child development and behavior, family dynamics and child placement procedures.
- Experience in client interview and assessment techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be computer literate and detail-oriented.
- Must have a respect for confidentiality involving both clients and employees.
- Working knowledge of community resources.
- Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse groups.
- Share responsibility of carrying emergency cell phone and responding as needed, including after regular business hours and on weekends.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and State of Nevada Licensed Social Worker (LSW) required.
- Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare; adoption experience a plus.
- Fluency in English and Spanish is required, with the ability to translate and interpret written and spoken communication accurately.
- Must be able to pass criminal and child abuse background clearances.
- Knowledge and adherence to the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics.
- Flexible schedule to work after hours and weekends, as necessary.
- Must be at least 25 years old with a valid Nevada Driver’s License with current minimum Nevada state required auto insurance.
- Must have transportation available to fulfill field assignments.
- Must have pediatric CPR certification or obtain within 30 days upon hire.
Physical Requirements
- Time is split between office work and in-home visits. Occasional visits to hospitals, jails, prisons and other off-site locations.
- Ability to communicate with clients, co-workers, and others involved in the adoption process.
- Ability to carry work cell phone and respond appropriately as needed after regular business hours.
- Ability to operate and use office equipment, especially copier, computer, keyboard and mouse.
- Ability to continuously sit and/or stand. Ability to walk continuously if needed and climb stairs as needed.
- Ability to operate a vehicle, including sitting for extended periods and entering and exiting the vehicle.
- May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada offers an excellent benefits package, including insurance benefits, paid time off, and retirement plan.
CCSN is a drug free and equal opportunity employer. All employees must successfully complete a drug test and background check prior to employment.
