Home Study Support Specialist

Reporting to the Managing Director of Adoption and Family Support, the Home Study Support Specialist plays a critical role in assisting prospective adoptive parent clients navigate the administrative aspects of the Home Study and adoption process in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the agency. This role is an integral member of the Adoptive Parent Services Team and is the first point of contact at The Cradle for prospective adoptive parents – responding to prospective adoptive parent inquiries and facilitating Information meetings.

The Home Study Support Specialist is expected to contribute positively to the overall culture within the organization and to work collaboratively with colleagues in all departments.

Essential Functions

Client Facing (65%)

• Serve as initial contact for clients considering using The Cradle for their Home Study and/or placement agency.
• Plan and host Information Meetings and respond to email, web, and phone inquiries from prospective adoptive parent clients.
• Support adoptive parent applicants in the completion and submission of documents necessary for the Home Study process.
• Assist clients in obtaining required background checks.

Administrative Support (35%)

• Create and maintain hard copy client files and digital records in client database.
• Collaborate closely with Adoptive Parent Counselors conducting Home Study assessments.
• Conduct file reviews.
• Create and update client forms and documents.
• Interface with collateral contacts and other organizations.
• Collaborate with Marketing Team on attracting clients to the program and establishment of client profiles on The Cradle’s website.
• Attend and participate in all staff, department and team level meetings.

Minimum Requirements

• Commitment to The Cradle’s mission and values.
• Associate’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in social service, medical or mental health setting with client interfacing responsibilities.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience providing administrative support to a team.
• Skilled and effective communicator; confidence in public speaking and communicating with clients and colleagues via video call, phone, email and text.
• Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team
• Intermediate proficiency level in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with and comfort learning databases.

Working Conditions

• This is an office based role.
• Requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

Additional Requirements

Required to undergo a background check, fingerprinting, and medical exam to meet DCFS requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Please summarize your experience interfacing with clients.
• Please describe your experience working as part of a team or supporting a team.
• Can you work some evenings and weekends?

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Client services: 3 years (Required)
• Administrative: 3 years (Required)
• Teamwork: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Evanston, IL 60201 (Required)

Work Location: In person