At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with potential Foster Parents and guide them through the fostering process.
- Company: Join Polaris, a leading children's service provider dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, life insurance, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while working in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, confident communicator with good IT skills; sales experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including one evening per week; full training provided.
The predicted salary is between 22630 - 25200 £ per year.
Position type: Full-Time - Permanent
Location: Kent
Salary: £22,630
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave increasing to 35 days' with length of service + Bank Holidays, Company Pension Scheme, Life Insurance x 2, Employee Discount Scheme & On-Site Free Parking
About Us
We are Polaris, one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education, Residential Care and bespoke children's services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We're ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
About You
You will respond to a high number of enquiries with a focus on building rapports with potential Foster Parents. You will guide applicants on the benefits of fostering with the Polaris group, taking them through an initial screening process and highlighting transferable skills they can bring to the role. You will send further information when requested and respond to any queries in a timely manner.
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an engaging manner that is able to communicate confidently over the phone and via Live Chat. You will be self-motivated, enthusiastic and lively with the ability to build relationships, identify opportunities and create solutions. A background in sales would be an advantage for this fast-paced role.
Requirements
- Friendly, confident telephone manner
- Enthusiasm and desire for engaging with customers
- Excellent verbal communicator and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
- Attentive listener
- Able to work & communicate as part of a team
- Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and recording on a CRM system
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet business needs including occasional evenings
- Experience working within a Customer Service environment would be an advantage, but not essential.
- Prior knowledge of fostering/the fostering sector would be an advantage, but not essential as full training will be provided
- Willingness to work flexibly to meet business needs will include one evening per week
For an informal conversation about this post, please contact Julie Pring - Recruitment & Enquiry Team Manager on 07811 971367. To be considered for this position, please do apply. No Agencies Please. We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert without notification.
Please note that on clicking "apply" you will receive a return email asking you to fill out our application form online, and it is a requirement for this to be completed before we can progress your application.
Customer Service Advisor – Fostering employer: Polaris Community
Contact Detail:
Polaris Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Service Advisor – Fostering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the fostering sector. Understanding the basics of fostering and the challenges faced by foster parents will help you engage more effectively with potential applicants during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since this role requires a friendly and confident telephone manner, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family to enhance your ability to build rapport quickly.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your enthusiasm for helping others. During any informal conversations or interviews, express your passion for making a difference in children's lives, as this aligns with Polaris's mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your multitasking abilities. In a fast-paced environment, being able to juggle multiple tasks is crucial, so think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities.
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Advisor – Fostering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Customer Service Advisor in fostering. Familiarise yourself with the key skills required, such as communication and rapport-building, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous customer service or sales experience. Even if you lack direct experience in fostering, showcase transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to engage with potential foster parents.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you are drawn to Polaris and how your values align with their mission to improve the lives of young people.
Follow Application Instructions: When you click 'apply', ensure you complete the online application form as instructed. Double-check all your information for accuracy before submission to avoid any delays in processing your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to convey your passion for helping others during the interview. Polaris is looking for someone who is not just capable but also genuinely excited about fostering and supporting children.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves a lot of phone and live chat interactions, practice clear and confident communication. Be prepared to showcase how you can build rapport with potential foster parents.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience in fostering, think about transferable skills from previous roles, especially in customer service or sales. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit your work at Polaris.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle pressure. Think of examples from past experiences where you successfully managed challenging situations or built relationships with clients.