At EmberHope, building a stronger future for children and families starts with investing in the people called to serve them.
Across Kansas, the need for compassionate, skilled social workers continues to grow. But at EmberHope, recruitment isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about connecting with purpose-driven individuals early, equipping them for the realities of the work, and ensuring they are supported every step of the way.
Recently, the talent acquisition team has been taking that mission directly into classrooms, conferences, and community spaces—meeting future social workers where they are and inviting them into something meaningful. We interviewed Nikki Hays, Talent Recruiter at EmberHope, to learn more about these initiatives and what it means to the organization.
Meeting Future Social Workers Where They Are
For Hays, engaging with students and early-career professionals isn’t just a strategy—it’s a responsibility.
“The inspiration behind engaging with students early is because of how important this work and serving our community is,” she shared. “EmberHope is constantly looking to hire innovative, trauma-informed individuals with a passion to make a positive difference.”
By showing up in these spaces, EmberHope is able to do more than introduce career opportunities. It creates space for honest conversations about both the impact and the realities of working in child welfare.
“We focus on communicating the realities of the job, so they are better equipped when they are entering the career field,” Hays shared.
That intentionality was especially evident during the 2026 Social Work Advocacy Day at Washburn University, where Hays connected with students from across the state.
“It was such an honor and very insightful to attend,” she said. “I felt rejuvenated and inspired by the passion and drive students have for serving people from all walks of life.”
There was one key moment that stood out in particular, which was meeting a young woman who had once been in EmberHope’s care and is now entering the field herself. Hays put an emphasis on what this meant. “To see her come full circle warmed my heart.”
A Different Kind of Recruitment: Leading with Wellness
While connecting with future professionals is essential, EmberHope is also redefining what recruitment can look like. 
At the Power Conference at Wichita State University, the EmberHope recruitment team didn’t just set up a booth—they created an experience.
For the second year in a row, the team sponsored the event and hosted a wellness room, intentionally designed to help attendees pause, breathe, and recharge.
The space offered a calming environment from the moment guests walked in, including soft lighting, peaceful visuals, and the subtle scent of essential oils filling the air. Attendees could create their own bath scrubs using Epsom salt, oatmeal, essential oils, and dried flowers, receive a 10-minute massage from a licensed therapist, and leave with small reminders of encouragement and care.
But more than the experience itself, the purpose behind it mattered most.
“The inspiration behind creating this space is to show the importance of self-care and appreciation,” Hays explained. “This is an extremely important but tough field to work in.”
Why Wellness Matters in Social Work
Social work is deeply meaningful, but it often also comes with emotional weight.
“Being a frontline worker in the field, you take on the emotions of those you are serving,” Hays shared. “There is a high chance of burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondhand trauma.”
That’s why EmberHope is intentional about creating a culture where wellness isn’t an afterthought—it’s a priority.
“Before we can ‘fill into the cups’ of those we serve, we must first take care of ourselves,” she said.
From recruitment to retention, EmberHope is committed to ensuring that staff have the tools, support, and space they need to thrive, not just professionally, but also personally.
Building a Culture That Supports Growth
For many students exploring careers in social work, the questions go beyond job responsibilities. They want to know:
- Will I be supported?
- Will I have work-life balance?
- Will I actually make a difference?
The talent recruiters often hear these questions, and they are valid, relevant things to consider before taking on a career in child welfare.
Students are especially curious about the scope of impact, the policies shaping the field, and the level of support they can expect. At EmberHope, those answers are grounded in both transparency and opportunity. 
“Our leadership is devoted to making sure all staff have the knowledge, skills, and tools to do this important work,” Hays explained. “It takes a village to truly support children and families—and we build on each other’s strengths to do that.”
And for those just starting out, there is room to grow, explore, and find the right fit.
“If you don’t find the right fit right away, there are opportunities to grow into a role that ignites your passion,” Hays added.
Looking Ahead: Investing in What Comes Next
For EmberHope, investing in the next generation of social workers isn’t optional – it’s absolutely essential.
“It directly impacts our current and future communities,” Hays shared. “To truly make a difference and have it stick, we must lead by example and break down barriers for those who come after us.”
And for those considering entering the field, her advice is both honest and encouraging:
“It’s not for the faint of heart. Really consider your ‘why.’ Be confident in your ability to help others while still taking care of yourself… when we all come together, it is possible.”
Will You Be the One?
At EmberHope, the work is challenging—but it’s also deeply meaningful. And no one does it alone.
If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families…
If you’re looking for a workplace that values both impact and well-being…
If you’re ready to grow, learn, and be part of something bigger—
there’s a place for you here.
