Adoption Subsidy Specialist

About the role

THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $60,428.00-$64,600.00.

THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CANDIDATES WHO ARE PERMANENT (NOT PROVISIONAL) IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE OF CHILD WELFARE SPECIALIST.

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS) ensures that high quality services are provided to children in foster care by supporting provider agency staff with technical assistance and other services for children in foster care. FPS staff offer guidance to provider agencies on child welfare policies and procedures to improve service delivery and achieve safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster care.

The ACS Office of Adoption & KinGAP Support Services (AKSS) within the Division of Family Permanency Services (FPS) is dedicated to increased rates of permanency and reduced lengths of stay for children in foster care, as well as the provision of post adoption assistance.

Adoption Subsidy is monthly payments made to the adoptive parent(s) for the care of an adopted child who meets the definition of a NYS special needs child (children adopted from the custody of NYS local departments of social services or who are adopted from the custody of a NYS authorized voluntary agency). ACS/FPS/AKSS is seeking a highly motivated individual to function as an Adoption Subsidy Eligibility Specialist.

The Adoption Subsidy team members regularly liaise with provider agency staff and support staff providing information on the program. The unit is responsible for offering training on the program and sharing updates as it pertains to any new regulations with provider agency staff, attorneys, and other constituents. The team members also review and approve supportive documentation for program eligibility.

The Adoption Subsidy unit consists of an Executive Program Director, Director, Supervisor and five Support Specialists.

The Adoption Subsidy Specialist would be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Confirming eligibility requirements for all Adoptive children by reviewing Adoption Subsidy applications, Expenses Agreements, and supportive documentation for accuracy
• Assisting provider agency staff in determining appropriate documentation required to apply for Adoption Subsidy
• Offering one-to one support to provider agency staff on the merits of the program, and providing key pointers on completing applications and submitting Adoption Subsidy packages
• Liaising with case planners and supervisory staff providing guidance, recommendations, and follow-ups on completing Adoption Subsidy packages
• Speaking with internal and external partners regarding the program eligibility, and dispensing information accordingly
• Reviewing Title IV-E eligibility status of children moving toward Adoption
• Preparing unit case records for Adoption subsidy initiation after a child has been freed for adoption
• Preparing for and attending Adoption subsidy fair hearings and completing necessary case notes and documentation

Additional Information

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

To Apply

No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted.

Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Candidates must pass a test to demonstrate English language proficiency.
• Requirements for Assignment Level II a. Upon satisfactory completion of six months of training and experience at Assignment Level I, an employee shall be assigned to Assignment Level II.
• b. Upon completion of one year of satisfactory experience at Assignment Level II of Child Welfare Specialist and satisfactory completion of the probationary period an employee shall receive no less than the minimum salary after 18 months in title.
• c. To be appointed directly to Assignment Level II, a candidate must have, in addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements set forth above, one year of satisfactory child welfare casework experience.