Foster Parent Recruitment & Support Specialist I - Temporary

State of Vermont; Newport (VT); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

The State of Vermont invites applications for the Foster Parent Recruitment & Support Specialist I - Temporary in Newport, VT. This part-time role supports district recruitment plans and retention efforts within the Children and Families Department.

Key duties include coordinating recruitment events, outreach to diverse communities, and collaboration with Resource Coordinators and district leadership to inform and engage foster and kinship families. Background checks are required.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment planning and participation in community recruitment events and programs.
• Outreach to targeted groups (e.g., BIPOC, LGBTQI+ organizations, hospitals, schools, faith communities).
• Coordinate with Resource Coordinators and District Director; respond to inquiries about fostering/kinship.
• Attend statewide Recruitment and Retention meetings and collaborate on resources and messaging.

Job description

Application Deadline Date: 09/16/2026

Department: Children and Families

Location: Newport, VT, US

Position Type: Temporary

Schedule Type: Part-Time

Minimum Salary: $21.41

Maximum Salary: N/A

Title: Foster Parent Recruitment & Support Specialist I - Temporary

Overview

The primary role of the FP Recruitment and Retention Specialist is to support and enhance the recruitment and retention efforts of the Diligent Recruitment Plans within the district office. Job duties will be coordinated with the team which includes the Resource Coordinator(s) and District Director and will include:

Recruitment

• Actively engages in recruitment strategies as highlighted in the statewide recruitment plan; including, but not limited to:
• Planning and participating in community recruitment events and programs.
• Facilitating direct relationship building and engaging outreach to targeted groups such as BIPOC led organizations/projects, LGBTQI+ organizations, hospitals, schools, churches, faith communities, libraries, etc., in the form of mailings, presentations, providing content for newsletters, share resources for social media, etc.
• General or child specific outreach via media, social media (including Front Porch Forum), postering etc. that is approved by the System of Care Unit.
• Works with local businesses to distribute marketing materials and spread awareness.
• Participate and engage in the local Diligent Recruitment plan and/or meetings.
• Respond to and follow up to all inquiries from public about fostering, kinship or respite in conjunction with the Resource Coordinator
• May maintain the Inquiry Tracking Sheet and/or other documents used to facilitate accurate follow through and to inform future recruitment strategies
• May provide consultation to the districts when placements need occur based on their knowledge base of new inquires and foster/kinship families.
• Regularly attends statewide Recruitment and Retention meetings, RC/RRS meetings, and/or local Diligent Recruitment meetings. Actively engages and implements these strategies in the local district.*
• Coordinate/collaborate with state-wide Recruitment and Retention Specialist to collaborate on resources, strategies, events and consistent messaging.

Retention

• Actively engages in retention activities as determined by District Director / Assistant District Director in coordination with the Resource Coordinator(s), including but not limited to:
• Support / organize & attend FP Recognition Events (picnics, dinners, parties). This may include gathering supplies, gifts etc and outreach to facilitate attendance.
• Help develop and provide ongoing support to local Foster &/or Kin Caregiver Support groups, meetings, and/or social media groups.
• Informed Family Service Worker of any supports available to foster and kin caregiver along with any information learned that is relevant to case planning and safety.
• Work with Resource Coordinator(s) to develop and distribute district specific information/updates, this may be in the form of a district newsletter, bulk email updates, and/or more personalized email engagement with all. Support the state-wide biweekly newsletter distributed by Central Office by contributing to the content when applicable and encouraging readership.
• Support and respond to current foster parents on a regular basis as determined by District Directors in coordination with the Resource Coordinator(s) with ongoing engagement and assessment being the focus.

Who May Apply

This position, Foster Parent Recruitment & Support Specialist I - Temporary (Job Requisition #55677), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position. Temporary work is typically for variable hours, and is not expected to be full-time. The State does not guarantee 40 hours of work per week.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.