The Adoption and Foster Care Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive adoption and foster care delivery plan, and its supporting programmes, policies and protocols.
THE CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
JOB DESCRIPTION – ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE MANAGER
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Job Title: Adoption and Foster Care Manager
Department: Adoption and Foster Care
Section: Care, legal and Regulatory Services
Reports to: Deputy Director, Care, Legal and Regulatory Services
Direct Reports: Team Leader, Children’s Services
Indirect Reports: Children’s Services Associate, Children’s Services Assistant
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JOB SUMMARY
The Adoption and Foster Care Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive adoption and foster care delivery plan, and its supporting programmes, policies and protocols aimed at ensuring the successful transfer, and securing the emotional and psychological well-being, of children in adoptive and foster homes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Works closely with the Deputy Director, Care, Legal and Regulatory Services and other section managers to ensure that the adoption and foster care process and services are transparent, time-conscious, adheres to the Authority’s quality standards, and are responsive to customers’ needs and environmental changes.
Establishes and monitors a system of case management and advocacy services for children and families involved in the adoption and foster care process, ensuring alignment with approved best practices and meeting all regulatory requirements.
Leads quality assurance efforts including case file review, and tracking performance and productivity outcomes for successful results.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
Strong organisational skills.
Demonstrated competence in systems analysis and evaluation.
Ability to work with professionals in various fields toward a single goal.
Experience working with children and families, and in court.
In-depth knowledge of social services intervention strategies specific to securing the safety and well-being of children.
Excellent customer service orientation.
Ability to build trust, credibility and effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the organization, and with external stakeholders.
Ability to deliver adoption and foster care programmes and services that effectively address customer needs.
Ability to set, implement and monitor performance standards.
Ability to counsel and advise senior executives, managers and all levels of staff on sensitive adoption /foster care issues and appropriate courses of action.
Must demonstrate tact, diplomacy, mature judgement and creative problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of the laws relevant to the protection and safety of children.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written).
Excellent presentation skills.
Competent in computer usage and the Microsoft Office Suite of programmes (including Word, Excel and Power Point)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Psychology, Counselling or Management or related field from a recognized university is essential;
A post-graduate certification in Social Work would be an asset;
A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the social services field, with at least three (3) years’ in social services administration or leadership;
Any other equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.
Proficiency in using computer software designed for drafting, site management/planning, layout and design; proficiency in various MS Office applications (e.g. Excel, word, Microsoft Project)
Applications will be received no later than 16th October, 2015