Work for the Coalition

Resource Specialist

  • Full-time | Primarily Remote  |  Wisconsin

About Us

When families navigate child welfare and adoption, they face a complex system that often leaves them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. The Coalition for Children, Youth & Families provides the guidance, resources, and connections they need to move forward with confidence.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Resource Specialist to join our organization. Reporting to the Director of Programs, you’ll be responsible for providing statewide resources and information to support individuals, families, the community, and child welfare professionals touched by kinship/relative care, foster care, and adoption. Resource Specialists meet the dual priorities of responding to email, online, and phone inquiries while also fulfilling tasks such as researching, writing, resource development, and more related to the Wisconsin Family Connections Center program operated by the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families. We are currently seeking a candidate who will focus primarily on child-specific recruitment, photo listings, and assisting families who are navigating the adoption assistance amendment process.

This role is perfect for someone who is organized, creative, mission-driven, and ready to make a tangible difference for families in Wisconsin.

This is a primarily remote position—you’ll work from a home office most of the time, with occasional in-person requirements for gatherings, events, and meetings. There will occasionally be weekend and evening responsibilities. The ideal candidate brings self-direction and discipline to manage their time and workload independently, while also being genuinely open to regular supervision, feedback, and collaborative direction.

What You’ll Do

Development of Resources

  • Research and writing tip-sheets and monthly publications on topics relevant to the communities we serve.
  • Research and write newsletter articles or other narrative pieces.
  • Help with proofreading and peer review
  • Review current content for quality improvements

Front Line Support for Families and Professionals

  • Supporting families and professionals through scheduled or same-day phone appointments or email inquiries
  • Provide timely follow-up for families experiencing challenges
  • Provide caring, empathetic conversations with families in need of support.
  • Connect families and professionals with services and resources throughout the state that will support them wherever they are in their journey

Outreach and Community Engagement

  • Remain knowledgeable about the most current services and programs in Wisconsin
  • Connect with services and programs throughout Wisconsin that would benefit the communities we serve
  • Attend conferences and resource fairs promoting the Coalition and its programs
  • Provide technical assistance and support to agencies regarding recruitment and retention activities for relative caregivers and/or other caregivers

Program Support

  • Assisting with child-specific recruitment tasks, such as data mining or writing profiles for waiting children
  • Assisting families who are navigating the adoption assistance amendment process
  • Provide informational meetings for families interested in public adoption

What We’re Looking For

  • A compassionate, mission‑driven professional committed to supporting individuals and families involved in kinship/relative care, foster care, and adoption
  • Someone with a strong customer‑service mindset who responds to inquiries with care, clarity, and timeliness
  • An organized and detail‑oriented individual who can successfully manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time
  • A resourceful and creative thinker who enjoys problem‑solving and identifying meaningful solutions
  • A strong communicator who can translate complex systems and information into accessible, family‑centered resources
  • A team‑oriented collaborator who works well with program staff while also being comfortable working independently
  • A flexible and adaptable self‑starter who can respond effectively to shifting priorities and urgent needs
  • An individual who consistently demonstrates alignment with the Coalition’s purpose, values, and vision
  • Someone who brings curiosity, empathy, and respect to work with families, professionals, and community partners across diverse backgrounds

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field required
  • Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to foster care and adoption
  • Basic understanding of trauma‑informed practices
  • Experience working with individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds
  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout Wisconsin
  • Availability to work some evenings and weekends as needed

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Knowledge of Salesforce a plus
  • Ability to manage email, phone, and online inquiries efficiently and professionally
  • Strong writing skills, including the creation of articles, tip sheets, and educational materials
  • Ability to plan, track, and meet deadlines across multiple projects simultaneously

Qualities That Set You Apart

  • Excellent customer engagement, listening, and response skills
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Resourceful, creative, and comfortable with “out‑of‑the‑box” problem solving
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Collaborative team member who thrives in both independent and highly interactive work
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to and sustain a healthy, inclusive organizational culture
  • Genuine passion for supporting children, families, and the child welfare community

What We Offer

  • Full-time, salaried position based on a standard 40-hour work week
  • Salary starting at $52,000
  • A generous benefits package including paid time off (PTO), medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, SEP IRA, and a 403(b) retirement plan
  • Primarily remote work, with occasional in-person meetings and in-state travel as organizational needs require; some evening and weekend availability expected
  • A mission-centered team that values your voice and invests in your growth
  • The opportunity to do meaningful work that directly impacts thousands of Wisconsin families each year
  • A collaborative culture grounded in compassion, accountability, and perseverance

How to Apply

If you’re ready to work for families who need it most, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter that responds to the following two questions:

  1. What interests you most about this opportunity to join the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families?
  2. Based on the job description above, what skills, traits, and experience do you believe you’ll bring to this position?

Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. We aim to begin interviewing by Monday, May 25, 2026.

The Coalition for Children, Youth & Families is an equal opportunity employer.

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