Northern Arizona Contract Social Worker, Birth Parent Services & Outreach

Title: Contract Social Worker, Birth Parent Services and Outreach, Northern Arizona
Reports to: Manager, Adoption Services
Department: Domestic Adoption

Primary Purpose
Spence-Chapin is seeking a dedicated independent contractor based in Northern Arizona to provide counseling and support to birth parents considering a voluntary adoption plan for their child, while also developing relationships with professionals, healthcare providers, and community organizations that may serve as referral sources for Spence-Chapin. This role combines direct client services, community outreach, and fieldwork, with a focus on increasing awareness of Spence-Chapin’s adoption services throughout Northern Arizona through networking, training, presentations, and participation in community events. The contractor will also provide options counseling and adoption planning services to expectant and new parents. This is a field-based, independent contractor position requiring regular travel throughout Northern Arizona and surrounding rural communities. The compensation rate is $35-40 per hour.

Spence-Chapin is a non-profit organization that provides adoption services in Arizona, New York, and New Jersey. At Spence-Chapin, we believe that every child deserves a family, and we work tirelessly to advocate for children in need of a permanent, loving home. Over our history, Spence-Chapin has served more than 30,000 children, women, and families through our main program areas: Comprehensive Domestic and International Adoption Programs; Birth Parent Services; Well-being Services; and International Humanitarian Aid through programs like our Granny Program to support children living in orphanages overseas.

Our work is made possible by the dedicated individuals on our staff. At Spence-Chapin we find joy in celebrating each other, our co-workers, and our clients. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity to strengthen the vibrancy of our community. We celebrate a culture of excellence, inclusivity, compassion, flexibility, and support. Being part of the Spence-Chapin team is being part of a legacy, which for more than 115 years has provided critical services to children, women, and families around the world.

Key Performance Indicators
Community Outreach

• Identify and pursue outreach, networking, training, presentation, and partnership opportunities throughout Northern Arizona to increase awareness of Spence-Chapin's free services among expectant and new parents who are considering their options for their baby or young child
• Develop and maintain relationships with potential referral sources, including hospitals, healthcare providers, social service organizations, tribal and community organizations, and other relevant community partners
• Represent Spence-Chapin at community events, resource fairs, conferences, networking meetings, and other professional and community gatherings
• Provide educational presentations and training to healthcare professionals, social service providers, community partners, and other referral sources on options counseling, adoption planning, and Spence-Chapin's services.
• Maintain regular communication and follow-up with referral sources to strengthen partnerships and support appropriate referrals to Spence-Chapin

Counseling and Case Management

• Provide direct client services that require the use of sound clinical judgment, assessment skills, and knowledge of adoption and social work practice
• Provide options counseling and adoption planning services to pregnant and postpartum individuals considering adoption for their newborn or young child
• Meet with clients in hospitals, homes, and other community settings as needed to provide timely and accessible services
• Coordinate with hospitals and other professionals involved in a client's care, including facilitating the discharge of infants to prospective adoptive parents or to Spence-Chapin's Interim Care Program, as appropriate
• Assess clients' needs and provide referrals to appropriate community resources and services outside of Spence-Chapin
• Gather relevant bio-psycho-social information, complete assessments, and prepare thorough client histories and case documentation
• Educate clients about the adoption process and support them in developing individualized adoption plans, including hospital plans, consideration and selection of adoptive families, review of legal documents, and planning for ongoing post-surrender contact
• Support clients throughout the adoption process, including adoptive family matching, placement planning, and, when applicable, reunification of infants with their birth families
• Maintain timely, accurate, and comprehensive case documentation in accordance with Spence-Chapin policies and applicable state requirements

Education & Experience

• MSW from an accredited school of social work, or related degree preferred
• A minimum of two years MSW experience, or similar experience preferred
• Arizona license to practice social work preferred
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Experience in adoption and/or pregnancy counseling preferred; must have at least one year counseling

Technical Skills

• MS Office - Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with database platforms and entering case notes

Key Competencies

• Demonstrated clinical experience
• Strong oral and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with ability to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to multitask; strong execution skills; thorough follow through and attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills; critical thinking and problem solving
• Experience working with domestic violence mental illness, homelessness, foster care, and substance abuse a plus
• Regular travel across Northern Arizona and surrounding communities will be required

Please submit cover letter with required hourly rate and resume.

​​​​​​​This description is not intended to detail every aspect of your job/duties or list every task you may perform. It is provided as a general overview of the responsibilities and skills required to do this job successfully.