Current Openings

Adoption, Promotion, Training and Support Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:  Adoption, Promotion, Training and Support Specialist

Pay Type:  Hourly

Supervisor:  Jenn Stout

Note:  Position funded for 10 months; extension contingent upon performance and continued grant support. Based in  Buncombe County DSS offices (co-location), working in partnership with Buncombe County Department of Social Services — APTS Program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Support and Coordination

  • Assist in coordinating APTS trainings, workshops, and support groups for adoptive and pre-adoptive families

  • Maintain communication with DSS staff and families to schedule events, share resources, and track engagement

  • Collaborate with FFA-NC leadership to promote programming and provide outreach to families

Family Finding / Family Engagement

  • Conduct family-finding and relative-search activities to identify and locate relatives, kin, and other significant individuals who may serve as supportive connections or potential placement resources for children and youth in foster care.

  • Engage identified family members and other natural supports to establish and maintain meaningful connections and explore opportunities for ongoing involvement in the child’s life.

  • Provide information and support to prospective family connections, answer questions, discuss available options, and help individuals determine an appropriate level of involvement.

  • Collaborate with social workers, caregivers, attorneys, and other stakeholders to facilitate family engagement and support permanency planning.

Pre-Placement Assessments

  • Conduct comprehensive pre-placement assessments of prospective adoptive and/or placement families to evaluate their readiness, capacity, strengths, and ability to meet the needs of children in foster care.

  • Gather and evaluate information regarding family dynamics, parenting capacity, support systems, home environment, motivations, and ability to provide a safe, stable, and nurturing placement.

  • Conduct interviews, home visits, and required documentation/review processes as part of the assessment and placement preparation process.

  • Provide education, guidance, and recommendations to families throughout the assessment process and collaborate with multidisciplinary partners to support appropriate placement and permanency decisions

Training & Event Logistics

  • Support the planning and delivery of in-person and virtual events per contract, including room bookings, materials preparation, refreshments, and technical setup

  • Track attendance and collect evaluations for continuous program improvement

Administrative Duties

  • Maintain accurate records of participant engagement and support activities

  • Prepare regular reports for submission to FFA-NC and Buncombe DSS leadership

  • Ensure confidentiality and adherence to ethical standards in working with families and DSS

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or related field (or equivalent experience)

  • Lived or professional experience with foster care, adoption, or kinship care strongly preferred

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

  • Experience working with diverse populations and maintaining confidentiality

  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with multiple agencies

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom)

  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within Buncombe County

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience coordinating family-centered events or training programs

  • Knowledge of child welfare, trauma-informed care, or adoption permanency issues

  • Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates are encouraged to apply

Apply Now