Foster Care Recruiter

Foster Care Recruiter

Requisition #: req13224

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 Hours/Weeks)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As a Foster Care Family Recruiter, you will be primarily responsible for effectively coordinating the planning process and implementation of recruitment activities to generate a pool of culturally diverse resource families to serve vulnerable children through Foster Care in the respective state. This individual will also develop and maintain positive community relationships and pursue new relationships with community partners where recruitment efforts are possible. The Family Recruiter is expected to be actively involved in Resource family orientation and training, retention, and advocacy efforts, while also being involved in community resource family coalitions.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruit potential families, churches, and community supports to provide foster care services for Bethany;
• Develop, plan, and implement recruitment activities, events, or presentations;
• Coordinate publicity for recruitment initiatives by developing brochures or sharing existing materials;
• Request needed advertisements or publications in collaboration with Bethany’s marketing team, and ensure promotion of recruitment events, including local media efforts
• Establish and maintain visible working relationships with church pastors and leaders;
• Promote and coordinate community relations;
• Coordinate collaborative efforts with referral sources;
• Support the planning, coordination, and facilitation of orientation and training for interested families;
• Attend training as needed and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Assist with the maintenance of written communications for resource families to include but not limited to the handbook, recruitment materials, and program forms;
• Actively participate in local coalition meetings, events, and other efforts;
• Participate in team meetings and/or individual supervision to review recruitment progressions and ongoing recruitment plan efforts;
• Evaluate and escalate issues of recruitment, retention, and advocacy of resource families;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
• Prior experience in recruitment and assessment services in a child welfare agency;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
• Demonstrated public speaking and training skills with strong interpersonal skills;
• Must possess the ability to engage, develop, and maintain positive community relationships with a diverse group of individuals;
• Must possess excellent interviewing, observation, diagnostic, and family assessment skills;
• Must be highly motivated and able to take initiative;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change;
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.