Child Focused Recruiter

The Child Focused Recruiter plays a central role in connecting youth who are awaiting permanent homes with adoptive families. Based onsite in Austin, TX, this position coordinates recruitment, matching, and ongoing support services for a caseload of 12 to 15 youth in active recruitment status.

Role Overview

This role uses a child-focused recruitment model to identify legally permanent resources. The work includes casework coordination, youth and family assessment activities, recruitment planning, visits, and required training and database submissions.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with agency staff to identify youth for referrals to the WWK program.
• Review case records and conduct interviews with the youth, caseworker, and other agency staff with relevant case knowledge, including any available family members or supportive connections to assist recruitment efforts.
• Use internet search tools to identify and locate resources within the youth’s network.
• Develop an initial written adoption readiness assessment that describes the youth’s understanding and feelings about adoption.
• Create child-focused recruitment plans for assigned youth.
• Meet with each youth at least monthly.
• Communicate with the caseworker at least monthly to review progress against the recruitment plan.
• Meet with family members and supportive connections to discuss progress toward locating permanent resources.
• Coordinate and liaise with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), legal partners, child placing agencies, and birth families.
• Attend treatment team meetings as required.
• Travel for court, training, and home visits.
• After a match is made, collaborate with the caseworker, youth, and the adoptive resource to ensure preplacement visits are implemented.
• Assist with the development and coordination of the transition plan with the youth and the matched family.
• Support the youth and family during the transition process to help ensure placement support.
• Work with the caseworker to support adoptive family efforts toward adoption finalization.
• Attend educational opportunities provided by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, including WWK classroom training, online modules, database training, webinars, and the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit.
• Submit monthly data in the WWK database.
• Be able and willing to travel with flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.
• Maintain understanding of state child welfare rules and procedures, along with the juvenile and/or probate court systems.
• Provide direct supervision to youth placed by the SSCC; at times, may serve in a caregiver capacity for a youth while a licensed placement is being located.
• Perform all duties in accordance with contract terms, state and federal regulations, company policy, and regulatory agency standards.
• May be required to drive company vehicles, be insurable with the auto insurance provider, and complete company vehicle training.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of post-graduate direct experience required; MSW preferred.
• Prior relevant experience in child welfare, including knowledge of issues surrounding foster care, adoption, trauma, legal permanency, and medical and developmental needs.

Tools and Technologies

• WWK database
• Internet search tools

Compensation and Location

• Location: Austin, TX (onsite)
• Salary: USD 44,000 - 48,000 per year
• Minimum Experience: 2 years

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, plus supplemental insurance options, including HSA match for qualifying contributions
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Mileage reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Company sponsored learning and development

Additional Notes

Other duties may be assigned as necessary.