Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Family Services
POSITION TITLE: Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Family Services

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Social Worker
Funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, this position uses an evidence-based, child-focused recruitment model to help youth in foster care achieve permanent adoptive placements. The recruiter manages a caseload of 12–25 youth, matches and supports adoptive families, builds community partnerships, and promotes awareness of foster care and adoption. As a member of the St. John’s United team, the recruiter upholds the organization’s mission, values, and professional standards. This position requires statewide travel and residency within Montana.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
• Collaborate with DPHHS staff to identify and serve youth referred to the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program.
• Conduct case reviews, interviews, and family/network searches to identify and engage permanent adoptive resources.
• Complete adoption readiness assessments and develop, implement, and monitor individualized child-focused recruitment plans.
• Maintain monthly contact with youth and social workers and engage family members and supportive connections to support permanency goals.
• Facilitate matching, pre-placement visits, transition planning, and placement support in collaboration with youth, families, and professionals.
• Support adoptive families through the adoption process and work toward adoption finalization.
• Ensure compliance with Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption requirements, including data entry, reporting, assessments, and grant documentation.
Skills & Education required:
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field and experience working with youth; experience in adoption and/or child welfare preferred.
• Commitment to strengths-based, youth-centered practice.
• Strong organizational, relationship-building, communication, and professional writing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer-based systems.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances while maintaining a professional, compassionate approach.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Montana, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid Montana driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Safety
• Obeys safety rules of St. John’s United
• Identifies, reports, and/or corrects obvious safety hazards
• Attends mandatory safety in-services
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Mission/Customer Service
• Follows the St. John’s Guidelines for Customer Service
o Let the Mission be your guide
o Make eye contact and smile
o Greet & welcome each & every person
o Seek out personal contact
o Provide immediate service-listen & act
o Use appropriate body language at all times
o Be gracious to each & every person
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Employee Responsibilities
• Follows policy and procedures on TB testing & influenza vaccinations
• Attends all mandatory in-services