WWK Adoption Recruiter

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job

Develop and implement effective, aggressive and accountable recruitment activities for youth who are legally available for adoption but do not have an identified adoptive family by utilizing the Child-Focused Recruitment Model.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of 12-15 youth in the Dependency System and actively seek legal permanency for these youth through adoption.

• Implement the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Child-Focused Recruitment Model.
• Actively recruit for 12-15 youth who are not matched with a pre-adoptive family.
• Monitor youth who need additional preparation before active recruitment, youth who have been matched, or youth who are in pre-adoptive placements.  These youth are not counted in the active caseload, but the total caseload will not exceed 20-25.

Visit each youth on the caseload monthly, as well as attend case staffings and other meetings related to the youth’s permanency plan.

• Travel throughout the state to build and maintain effective relationships with waiting youth.

Role of the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter when conducting staffings of any type:

• Whenever possible, review relevant case information in advance to gain knowledge of the most current issues (Clerk of Court, FSFN, ASK etc.)
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times
• Maintain neutrality without alliance to any of the parties
• Engage all attendees’ participation in the meeting by requesting their perspective on the matters being discussed
• Listen objectively and consider all opinions provided
• Step in and mediate immediately if there are obvious personal attacks
• Be flexible and balance the need for participation with the need to keep things running efficiently and within the allotted timeframe
• Pay attention to group behavior, both verbal and non-verbal
• Recommendations / plans that are developed must be aligned with statute, code, policy and require either consensus by all participating attendees or approval by the court

Work collaboratively with Adoption Case Managers and Recruiters to identify and facilitate potential matches for youth.

• Build and sustain strong working relationships with Community Based Care and Case Management Organizations within the child welfare system, locally and throughout the state

Provide pre-adoption support for families who are matched with a youth on the caseload.

Maintain accurate records, case notes, written assessments and data collection and submit program reports as required by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

• Enter all case notes in the statewide automated child welfare integrated system (Florida Safe Families Network – FSFN) within 2 business days of contact. 
• Submit records and written assessments for scanning into the electronic case file (ASK) within 2 days of receipt. 
• Submit reports to Dave Thomas Foundation within the required timeframes.
• Complete monthly report of activities to the supervisor by the 7th of the following month.

Training

• Participate in all certification / training necessary for the fulfillment of job responsibilities.
• Attend educational opportunities provided by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption including, but not limited to, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Summit.
• Disseminate information from statewide/region meetings/conference calls to local staff.
• Assure that best practices are being implemented
• Coordinate training with Staff Development Unit

Team Meetings

• Participate in Case Management Organization Team Meetings and others relevant to area of expertise.
• Provide performance report and assessment of improvement initiatives.

Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested

Working Hours

CNHC’s believes in work life balance for all employees. This is an in-office position, Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm averaging forty (40) hours per week. Working hours may vary based on business needs.

Travel

Travel both within and outside of Circuit 13 (Hillsborough County) is a requirement of this position. Additionally, this position involves the transportation of children as part of the job responsibilities.

Training

All employees must complete fifteen (15) hours of on-line or classroom Training on an annual basis.  If the employee is a Certified Child Welfare Professional, Training hours must total twenty (20) annually.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. 

Education and Experience

A Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in social work or related field with at least two (2) years of child welfare experience with an emphasis in foster care adoption is preferred.  A Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, sociology or related human services degree and adoption experience may be substituted. 

Skills and Abilities

Highly organized and self-motivated professionals with strong problem-solving abilities and exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Adept at building positive relationships, working collaboratively in diverse, multicultural environments, and effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Recognized for excellent listening skills and a team-oriented approach. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. A thorough understanding of confidentiality laws and regulations, including HIPAA and child welfare statutes, is crucial. Familiarity with adoption processes and related documentation is highly desirable, as is the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and always maintain a high level of professionalism.

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Must meet the Children’s Network requirements for certification as a Child Welfare Case Manager within one year of hire into the position unless exempted by Children’s Network management.
• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Driver’s license check is a requirement
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify

Other Requirements

Language Skills

The ability to read, understand, and effectively communicate child welfare policies and procedures is essential. Professionals must accurately interpret policies, clearly convey them to stakeholders, and consistently apply them in case management. This ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards, minimizes errors, and supports informed decision-making. Additionally, the capacity to explain policies in an accessible manner to families and team members is key to fostering transparency and building trust.

Mathematical Skills

Demonstrates strong mathematical skills essential for analyzing data, managing budgets, and optimizing operational efficiency. Proficient in performing financial calculations, interpreting statistical data, and developing forecasts, they support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Their expertise includes working with complex metrics, identifying trends, and evaluating key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure informed operational adjustments.

Reasoning Ability 

Must exhibit strong reasoning abilities to evaluate complex cases, assess barriers to permanency, and develop effective strategies for resolution. This role requires the capacity to analyze data, interpret policies, and apply sound judgment to make informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of children and families. The ability to think critically and anticipate potential challenges is essential, as is adapting to dynamic situations while maintaining focus on achieving permanency goals. Possess the ability to support collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational and legal standards.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel among agency locations, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA:       Children’s Network of Hillsborough will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:        Children’s Network of Hillsborough does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember: If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current leadership team, prior to applying.