Adoptions Specialist/Supervisor Series

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established October 21, 1981

Scope

This series specification describes three professional classes used by the Department of Social Services. Incumbents in these classes perform or supervise professional level work with respect to adoptions case studies and recommend for or against the granting of petitions by the courts for the adoption of children in the independent and relinquishment adoptions programs.

Incumbents in this series conduct case studies of independent and relinquishment adoptions; determine whether the children are legally free for adoption; assess the physical, social, emotional, and economic factors present in prospective adoptive families, and suitability of children for families; make decisions and prepare full factual reports to the court with recommendations for or against granting petitions for adoption and recommend alternate plans when needed; prepare appropriate case records including narrative recordings and supporting documentation as required by statutes; report to the court with recommendations regarding permanent plans for children, court actions to terminate parental rights, guardianship petitions, existence of parental relationships, necessity for parental consent, withdrawals of consents, and appearances required by the Indian Child Welfare Act; conduct replacement studies required under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; inform birth parent(s) of their alternatives prior to relinquishing children for adoption or consenting to the adoption and determine the readiness and capability of the birth parent(s) to relinquish or give consent; provide consultative services to other public and private social services regarding adoption planning on other cases; conduct investigations of child abuse that have been recorded at the Child Abuse Registry for prospective adoptive parents; and conduct set-aside investigations and report to the court.

Definition of Levels

Adoptions Specialist

This is the entry, training, and full journey level in the series. At the entry and training level, under close supervision and review, incumbents will perform the more routine adoption investigations and studies, and make decisions on recommendations to the courts in compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies. Under general supervision, incumbents at the full journey level will perform independently all aspects of adoption investigations, studies, and evaluations and make decisions on recommendations to the courts in compliance with Federal and State laws, regulations, and policies. Incumbents will perform the more difficult adoptions casework tasks, such as set-aside investigations and reclaim cases; work independently with county welfare departments, public and private social services and adoption agencies, public and private attorneys, judges, and other representatives of the court system; serve as lead over a small group of Adoptions Specialists; or serve as a project team leader.

Adoptions Supervisor I

This is the first supervisory level class in the series. Under direction, incumbents supervise a group of Adoptions Specialists in the provision of adoption services in the relinquishment and independent adoptions program within a district office reporting to an Adoptions Supervisor II.

Adoptions Supervisor II

This is the full supervisory level class in the series. Under direction, incumbents plan, organize, coordinate, and direct the activities of staff providing services in the adoptions programs. This class serves as an overall office manager responsible for the total operation and performance of a district office.

Minimum Qualifications

All Levels:

Education: Completion of an approved two-year graduate curriculum in social work (Master's Degree in Social Work). Candidates enrolled in the final semester or quarter of graduate work will be admitted to the examination but will not be appointed until the degree has been conferred.

Adoptions Specialist

Education indicated above. Candidates enrolled in the final semester or quarter of graduate work will be admitted to the examination but will not be appointed until the degree has been conferred.

Adoptions Supervisor I

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of an Adoptions Specialist, Range B.

Or II

Two years of experience in a supervisory, consultative, or administrative capacity in the field of child or family social services or adoptions.

Adoptions Supervisor II

Either I

Two years of experience in the California state service performing the duties of the class of Adoptions Supervisor I.

Or II

Four years of experience in a supervisory, consultative, or administrative capacity in the field of child or family social services or adoptions.

Knowledge and Abilities

All Levels:

Knowledge of: Provisions of State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws relating to adoptions in California; principles, practices, and techniques used in the administration of adoptions programs, casework theory and practice, child psychology and principles of individual and group behavior, family relationships, and the effect of separation on children and parents; child welfare casework objectives; socioeconomic factors which promote stable family security; casework techniques in working with special needs children who experience adverse parental background, including a history of incest and other sexual abuse, a history of mental or physical illness within the family, or severe neglect or mental or physical abuse by the birth parent(s); developmental effects upon children exposed to nontraditional lifestyles; reclaim procedures; set-aside petition investigations and reports; the group home study process; crisis intervention techniques in the provision of post adoption services and cases in which a potential disruption requires immediate attention; State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws as they apply to contested termination of parental rights.

Skill in: Applying the principles and techniques of social casework; effectively and efficiently providing casework services to children with special needs; working independently with local county welfare departments in assessing the adoption potential of children within the child welfare system; developing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships while working with county welfare departments, other public and private social services and adoption agencies, public and private attorneys, judges, and other representatives of the court system; conducting orientation meetings with the public.

Ability to: Interpret provisions of the State and Federal rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to adoption programs; utilize community resources effectively; analyze problems arising out of the operation of adoptions programs; reach practical and logical conclusions; secure accurate social data, record such data systematically, and communicate effectively; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; utilize and apply effectively the required technical knowledge; act independently; monitor, review, and manage cases of increasing difficulty and protracted legal involvement; act in a professional manner and represent the Department of Social Services in meetings with other adoptions and child welfare professionals; articulate casework practice and policy during conferences and legal hearings.

Adoptions Supervisor I

Knowledge of: In addition to the above, effective personnel and supervisory practices and training methods; a manager's and supervisor's responsibility for providing equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Skill in: In addition to the above, encouraging and assisting in the maximum professional growth of subordinate staff.

Ability to: In addition to the above, plan, organize, and effectively direct the work of others and provide guidance in the professional development of casework staff; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Adoptions Supervisor II

Knowledge of: In addition to the above, principles of public administration, personnel management, supervision, and training and staff development; a manager's and supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Ability to: In addition to the above, plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others; review and edit written reports; communicate effectively before groups and the news media; perform as a member of the management team; effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Demonstrated capacity for assuming progressively greater responsibility as evidenced by recent employment history and interest in self-development; willingness to travel and to work irregular hours; neat personal appearance; adaptability; tact; good judgment and emotional stability.

Class History