Bilingual WWK Specialist

The New York Foundling; New York (NY); On-site; USD 54,106 - 61,406; Full time

Job summary

The New York Foundling seeks a dedicated recruiter to facilitate matches for children with adoptive families under the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. The role involves active case management, collaboration with multiple stakeholders, and delivering tailored recruitment plans.

Requirements include a Master’s in Social Work, two years in child welfare, and bilingual English/Spanish. Flexible hours may be needed to accommodate youth and families in transition.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (LMSW) or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field, with adoption experience a plus.
• Two years of child welfare experience, preferably in foster care.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).
• Availability to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Match children with appropriate families using the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruitment approach.
• Maintain an active caseload of 12–15 children.
• Conduct monthly one‑on‑one and in‑person sessions with each child.
• Collaborate with caseworkers, foster parents, attorneys, teachers, and other support staff.
• Develop and update a comprehensive recruitment plan quarterly.
• Follow up aggressively with identified connections with caseworker approval.
• Provide adoption preparation support for children and families.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work (LMSW) or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Overview

At The New York Foundling, we trust in the power and potential of people and deliberately invest in proven practices. Since 1869, our New York-based nonprofit has supported hundreds of thousands of neighbors on their paths to stability, strength, and independence. We help children and families navigate foster care, families struggling with conflict and poverty grow strong, and individuals with developmental disabilities live their best lives. We also provide access to quality health and mental health services, core to building lifelong resilience and wellbeing. Our interrelated programs offer a whole‑person, whole‑family, and whole‑life approach that unlocks solutions for a lifetime.

Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for facilitating the matches of children with appropriate families by utilizing Child‑Focused Recruitment Strategies, while working in close collaboration with the primary case‑planning team. The Recruiter will carry an active caseload of 12‑15, focusing on locating a permanency resource for each child.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contact each referred child’s caseworker to gather initial referral information and conduct an in‑depth review of the existing case file.
• Meet with each participating child on a monthly basis, including one‑on‑one and in‑person sessions.
• Determine the child’s strengths, challenges, desires, and preparedness for adoption, and create a written assessment to be updated quarterly.
• Meet with significant adults and maintain regular contact with caseworkers, foster parents, attorneys, teachers, therapists, relatives, mentors, faith‑based representatives, and extracurricular activity leaders.
• Conduct regular monthly contact with the child’s caseworker.
• Implement the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Child‑Focused Recruitment Strategy.
• Develop a comprehensive recruitment plan based on interviews with significant adults, file review, and the child’s input.
• Review and update the recruitment plan quarterly.
• Conduct a diligent search of potential adoptive families, including those with past and current connections to the child.
• Follow up aggressively with identified connections, with knowledge and approval of the child’s caseworker.
• Provide adoption preparation for children and families and assist in transition planning.
• Document recruitment efforts in the Child Trends database for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and maintain all case‑related diligence in the Connections System.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (Licensed Master of Social Work) or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related human services field, with adoption experience a plus.
• Two years of child welfare experience, preferably in foster care.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).
• Availability to work flexible hours to accommodate youth and working parents.

The New York Foundling is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse employee population, honoring experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain inclusive, equitable, and welcoming working and learning environments.

Salary Range

$54,105.90 + $3,500 Bilingual additive + $3,800 Education additive