Summary of Position
The Extreme Recruiter is responsible for spearheading and expediting the adoption recruitment activities of the child welfare team. Extreme Recruitment® works exclusively with the hardest-to-place children: ages 10-18, sibling groups, and youth with emotional, developmental, or behavioral concerns.
The position requires the recruiter to carry out all aspects of multi-faceted, child-specific adoption recruitment. The Extreme Recruiter will facilitate 12-20 weeks of team meetings with the goals of ensuring a system of supportive adults for at least 85% of youth, and identifying a permanent resource committed to adoption or guardianship for at least 70% of youth. Prior to the active recruitment phase of 12-20 weeks, the Extreme Recruiter will complete pre-work. Pre-work may include beginning the recruiter’s familiarization to the case history, building a relationship with youth(s) and placement provider, making recommendations regarding services that may be beneficial during active recruitment, as well as other activities.
Once a permanency option is identified, the Extreme Recruiter holds monthly team meetings until an adoption or guardianship is finalized. If an identified permanency resource disrupts, the Extreme Recruiter may remain involved in the case doing monthly meetings to secure and support a second permanency option.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Assist the case manager and court officials with meeting the Fostering Connections to Success Act, applicable Missouri statutes, and Missouri Children’s Division policy in regard to relative/kin notification and placement
- Participate in court hearings, external and internal team and agency meetings, and/or individual or group professional consultations. Majority of these meetings should be attended in person. Schedule, facilitate and participate in meetings with youths’ teams including: ER supervisor, case manager, case manager’s supervisor, GAL, DJO, therapist, placement provider, etc.
- Complete thorough and professional documentation (i.e. intake forms, progress activity notes, progress maintenance plans, assessments, profiles and closing summaries.)
- Complete internal referrals to agency services such Family Works, Little Wishes, training opportunities, and support groups, etc. Complete external referrals to community resources and services such as therapy, evalautions, trainings, etc.
- Request, review, and analyze relevant documentation such as psychological evaluations, IEP documents, therapy reports, birth records, etc.
- Assist in preparing the family for licensure by explaining the licensing process and assisting with home licensing requirements.
- Visits with the child and family in-home or in the community to address concerns that relate to placement stability and provide support to foster/adoptive parents.
- Case Record Review: Mine the child’s Children’s Division, contracted case management, and court files for names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, and other relevant identifying information of kin/relatives. Complete Trauma and loss history from this information.
- See job description for a complete list of responsibilities.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.
- Direct professional experience in child welfare with knowledge of foster care and adoption in the St. Louis area is strongly preferred.