Permanency Recruiter

Youth Villages

. Carries a caseload of 15 youth in active recruitment status .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeKnoxville • Tennessee • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $52,000 - $60,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in child welfare and adoption services, with a focus on recruitment, permanency planning, and youth advocacy. Proficient in developing individualized recruitment plans and collaborating with caseworkers to support youth in foster care.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor's Degree In Social ServicesChild Welfare ExperienceAdoption Services KnowledgeOrganizational SkillsExcellent Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Child-Specific Recruitment PlansFile ReviewsAdoption Readiness AssessmentsDocumentation ManagementPermanency Planning

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailAbility To Manage Multiple PrioritiesAdvocacy Skills

Tools & Technologies

Electronic Medical Record System

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's LicenseProof Of Auto Insurance

Industry Keywords

Youth In State CustodyPermanency OptionsFoster CareResidential TreatmentCommunity Resources

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Carries a caseload of 15 youth in active recruitment status
Connects youth in foster care and residential treatment settings who have no identified permanency options with adoptive families through intensive, child-focused recruitment efforts
Identifies, engages, and supports permanent connections for children, older youth, sibling groups, and those at risk of aging out of care without legal permanency
Conducts in-depth file reviews and interviews youth, caseworkers, family members, and other significant individuals
Develops and implements individualized, child-specific recruitment plans
Conducts monthly face-to-face visits with each youth to assess and support adoption readiness and permanency planning
Utilizes internet searches, genograms, and historical documentation to identify past and potential connections
Creates written assessments of adoption readiness and progress
Collaborates with caseworkers and other professionals to coordinate recruitment and permanency activities
Communicates with the caseworker monthly to review recruitment plan progress
Coordinates meetings and appointments, including outside normal business hours when needed
Assists with pre-placement planning and support after matching
Assists with transition plans, mental health services, community resources, education support, psychoeducation, support networks, and safety plans
Advocates for the youth’s best interest
Participates in and facilitates team meetings, case conferences, and permanency planning reviews
Supports adoptive families toward adoption finalization
Maintains accurate recruitment, youth engagement, and family-matching documentation
Attends required trainings and conferences
Completes timely documentation in an electronic medical record system
Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline (required)
Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy (others subject to review)
Minimum of 2 years post-degree experience in child welfare or adoption services (preferred)
Minimum of 6 months experience at Youth Villages (preferred)
Experience with youth in state custody and knowledge of permanency planning process (preferred)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver's license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 week paid vacation (full-time)
1 week paid vacation (part-time)
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Growth & development through continuous training
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities