Adoption Worker

About Us

Children's Home & Lutheran Social Service of MN (CH/LSS) is a dynamic social service organization dedicated to serving children, youth, and families across Minnesota. With a long history of providing care and finding families for children, our Domestic Foster Care and Adoption program continues to grow and create lasting permanency for children waiting in Minnesota's welfare system.

We value trustworthiness, diversity, and work-life balance. Our ALIVE Workplace culture is supportive, positive, and fun-offering careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees.

Why Join Us?

• Supportive Team: Join a compassionate, mission-driven team that values collaboration and mutual support
• Professional Growth: Build your expertise through onboarding, applied practice, and ongoing supervision
• Supervision: Free weekly supervision is provided to all staff, with licensure-track hours available for social workers pursuing undergraduate or graduate licensure.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible scheduling that supports your well-being while meeting the needs of clients and team collaboration.
• Hybrid Workplace: Benefit from a blend of remote and in-office work that supports collaboration and work-life harmony.
• Diverse Caseloads: Engage with a variety of cases that challenge and grow your skills-from infant adoption to foster care and kinship placements.
• Organizational Stability: Be part of a well-established nonprofit with a strong reputation and commitment to ethical practice.
• Equity and Inclusion: Work in an environment that actively promotes equity, cultural humility, and inclusive practices.

Major Responsibilities

As an Adoption Worker, you will:

• Assess Family Readiness: Write home studies, guide families through the foster care licensing process, and provide post-placement supervision and support.
• Family Engagement: Build trusting relationships with families and youth, supporting them through every step of their permanency and placement journey.
• Advocacy & Permanency Planning: Advocate for children's best interests and help families navigate permanency options
• Collaboration: Partner with county and tribal agencies, schools, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely documentation and uphold all regulatory and agency standards.
• Placement Support: Provide ongoing support to families and children before, during, and after placement.
• Team-Based Learning & Reflection: Engage in reflective supervision and peer learning to continuously improve practice and outcomes.
• Cultural Humility & Inclusive Practice: Approach each family with respect for their unique identities, backgrounds, and experiences-ensuring culturally responsive care.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field required. Master's degree in social work or a related field strongly encouraged to apply.
• Skills: Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask and manage cases, and proficiency in writing and documentation.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work some evenings and weekends to best support families and children.
• Travel: Ability to travel to family homes throughout Minnesota; must have a valid driver's license, insurance, reliable vehicle, and be insurable under agency policy.
• Inclusivity: Ability to work with and advocate for all clients, regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or family type.

All CH/LSS employees are currently dually employed, meaning you'll have a primary employer (CH or LSS) and a secondary employer as we complete the merger process.