Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter/Social Worker

UNKNOWN; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

St. John’s United in Montana is seeking a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter/Social Worker to support foster youth toward permanent adoption. The role manages a caseload of 12–25 youth, builds partnerships, and ensures compliance with Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption requirements.

Travel statewide is required, and residency within Montana is necessary. You will collaborate with DPHHS staff, conduct readiness assessments, coordinate matching, placement visits, and ongoing supports to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with experience working with youth; adoption/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 travel statewide within Montana and maintain a valid Montana driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with DPHHS staff to identify and serve youth referred to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids.
• Conduct case reviews, interviews, and family/network searches to engage permanent resources.
• Develop and monitor individualized child-centered recruitment plans.
• Maintain monthly contact with youth and social workers; engage families for permanency goals.
• Facilitate matching, pre-placement visits, transition planning, and placement support.
• Support adoptive families through the adoption process toward finalization.
• Ensure compliance with Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption requirements and reporting.

Skills

Youth-focused practice

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Professional writing

Organizational skills

Culturally competent

Travel readiness

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Tools

MS Office

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
• Let the Mission be your guide
• Make eye contact and smile
• Greet & welcome each & every person
• Seek out personal contact
• Provide immediate service-listen & act
• Use appropriate body language at all times
• 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