Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter
The Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter is responsible for connecting youth awaiting permanent homes with individuals identified through family-finding techniques. Using an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model, the Recruiter will search for all possible relatives and fictive kinship relationships by utilizing search engines, making cold calls, following up on leads, and vetting potential connections for the youth assigned to their caseload. Additionally, the Recruiter will meet in person with each youth on their assigned caseload on a monthly basis to review recruitment outcomes, build rapport, and support the youth in processing their feelings of grief and loss, concerns about adoption, and any other barriers to achieving permanency. This role specifically focuses on youth under the age of 18 who are in the custody of the state of Arizona. These youth may have a variety of medical complexities, developmental disabilities, or may be part of a sibling group. The Recruiter is expected to manage a caseload of 12 to 15 youth who are actively in recruitment status..
Job candidates MUST have a four-year degree in Social Work or a related field.
Job candidates must have direct care experience working with youth.
Work is conducted in the field; therefore, candidates must have a driver’s license and their own vehicle.
Compensation starts at $35,000/year - AASK will provide compensation commensurate with experience. Pay differential offered to candidates with Spanish bilingual oral and written fluency.
The position will be located in the Phoenix office with a hybrid remote schedule. AASK reimburses employees for job-related travel.
Responsibilities include:
Developing an activity-based recruitment plan implemented monthly during youth visits.
Locating and vetting potential families through warm calling, rapport building, and assessment interviews.
Maintain accurate records of services provided by timely and accurate reporting.
Maintain positive relationships with families, youth, and other community partners.
Possess strong communication skills and will be asked to produce a writing sample.
Manage multiple tasks at once and thrive in a fast-paced environment characterized by growth and change.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Work in partnership with agency staff to assure the highest outcome for all youth referred to the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program.
- Review the case record, interview the youth, caseworker, other agency staff with knowledge of the case, and any available family members and/or other supportive connections to assist in the recruitment process.
- Utilize internet search tools to identify resources within the youth’s network and initiate unsolicited phone calls.
- Develop an initial written adoption readiness assessment describing the youth’s understanding and feelings about adoption.
- Create child-focused recruitment plans for the youth.
- Meet with the youth monthly and facilitate activities.
- Communicate with the caseworker monthly to review the progress of the recruitment plan.
- Meet with family members and supportive connections to discuss the progress of locating permanent resources for the youth.
- Once matched, work 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 matched family. Work with the youth and family during the transition process to assist with placement support.
- Work in conjunction with the caseworker to ensure that the adoptive family is working towards adoption finalization.
- Attend educational trainings offered through AASK as well as opportunities provided by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, including, but not limited to: WWK classroom training, online modules, database training, webinars, and the annual Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit hosted by the Foundation and located out of state.
- Submit monthly documentation of youth visits, recruitment activities, and meetings attended to meet contractual/grant requirements.
- Must be motivated and self self-starter
- Knowledge of working with behaviorally challenged youth
- Passionate and unwavering commitment to permanency for youth
- Must possess excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Critical thinking and the ability to independently solve problems
- Must be detail-oriented and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to prioritize workload to meet firm deadlines as needed
- Excellent self-awareness and communication skills regarding assertiveness, boundaries, and learning style preferences
- Ability to function as a team member, with initiative and flexibility.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to approach complex and sensitive topics and have transparent age-appropriate conversations
- Must be able to provide trauma-informed education to families
- Understanding of Family Systems and other theories related to family development
- Must be trauma-informed
- Strong computer skills
Requirements:
- Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a related Human Service field, Master's of Social Work preferred
- Expertise in providing family support/excellent customer service.
- Ability and willingness to travel with flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends.
- Computer literacy and efficiency with Google Office software.
- Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based and/or youth development perspective.
- Follow all AASK policies and procedures regarding time and place of work, supervision, reporting, confidentiality and all other aspects of employment.
- Minimum of 21 years of age and will need to have a valid Arizona Driver’s License and obtain and maintain proof of auto insurance and car registration.
- Reliable transportation is required for travel to visits and meetings throughout the state. Rental cars will be used for travel exceeding 200 miles in a day.
- Be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of youth and families served
- All staff will be screened using a Request for Search of Central Registry for Background Check, a Criminal History Self-Disclosure, DMV history review, and pre-employment drug screen.
- Personal and professional reference checks will be completed
- Sensitivity to cultural/ethnic differences
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $35,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85006
