Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services (DCS):

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our  MVP  foundation:

 

Mission : Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision : Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The Adoption Consultant leads, monitors, and supports the DCS goal of increasing the number of children that reach permanency through adoption. You will increase the number of adoptive placements of children that have unidentified adoptive homes. The Adoption Consultant will lead recruitment process of adoptive families, prepare families for the placement of a special needs child, support them throughout the process, and increase support for special needs adoptions in the community. The Consultant works proactively with internal and external partners to complete adoption life cycle steps and to achieve permanency. You will also provide training and informational resources to field staff. 

This position is in La Porte, Indiana, and will serve LaPorte County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Salary :

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $53,222 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.

Use our  Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Establish program objectives, key permformance indicators, and actions to achieve them.
• Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.
• Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.
• Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.
• Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.
• Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.
• Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.
• Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.
• Serve on management committees or other governing boards.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• a Master’s Degree with 1+ years of experience, or
• a Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of experience, or
• a Associate’s Degree with 5+ years of experience, or 
• at least 7+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. 

Additional qualifications:

• Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education. 
• Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.
• Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of accounting and budget principles.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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