At a Glance
- Tasks: Help vulnerable children find loving homes through effective referral processes.
- Company: Join Action for Children, a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, professional development, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in referral processes and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24800 - 24800 £ per year.
Referral Officer – Residential Growth Team.
Salary: £24,800 per annum, pro rata.
Location: Remote, must be based in the UK.
Contract/Hours: Fixed Term Contract for 6 months, Part-time (working 21 hours a week).
Benefits:
- 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays pro rata, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.
- Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
- Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.
- Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers’ discounts.
Vulnerable children in the UK need your help. Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK. Last year, we helped more than 687,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.
About the service:
The Residential Growth Programme is dedicated to expanding and enhancing residential services for children and young people. Our mission is to develop new children's homes and improve existing ones, ensuring high-quality care and support. We focus on creating safe, nurturing environments that promote the wellbeing and development of every child. Our team collaborates with Local Authorities, healthcare providers, and community organisations to meet the diverse needs of children in care. Join us in making a difference by providing stable and loving homes for children who need it most.
We are looking for an experienced Referral Officer to join our friendly Central Referrals Team and offer valued peripatetic support across England and Wales through the administration of the referral process from initial enquiry to placement. The position will provide a customer-focused service, acting as the first point of contact for Local Authority Commissioners and Placement Teams looking for homes for children in care.
How you'll help to find nurturing loving homes for children and young people:
Some key responsibilities of this Referral Officer role are:
- Sharing responsibility for the delivery of an effective and efficient front door referral triage system.
- Providing a wide range of administrative support including referral systems, correspondence with Commissioners, analysing data and identifying trends in referral streams.
- Managing England-wide and Wales-wide central referrals inboxes and commissioning Local Authorities’ Placements Portals.
- Developing effective relationships with colleagues and external agencies.
- Providing a welcoming and responsive service to Placement Teams and Social Workers enquiring about children’s homes.
- Robust data management and analysis.
- Liaising with internal Children’s Services Teams to triage the eligibility of referrals.
- Providing written reports to meet the needs of management reporting.
- Undertaking desktop research on behalf of colleagues and management for presentation and analysis.
Let's talk about you:
Are you resilient and have a positive approach to change and challenge? We are looking for someone with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our team. Ideally you will have:
- Experienced Referral Officer – understanding of referral triage processes, risk assessments, matching profiles, and possess a sense of urgency.
- Business Administration Diploma Level 2 or equivalent qualification or work experience.
- Experience using Excel and database management.
- Experience of using PCs on a business network running MS Windows and Office, along with Email and Internet and specific business applications.
- To be able to work within a team environment, demonstrating tact and diplomacy with other members of staff and where necessary to direct and guide.
- Effective communication, both written and oral, to a range of different personnel.
- The ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of team and directorate, with reasonable adjustments, if required, according to the Equality Act.
Contact: recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 13569. Closing date: Monday 31st August 2026. Interviews will be conducted by MS Teams on either 9th or 10th September 2026. Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Diversity, equality and inclusion:
At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children. Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.
Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.
Want to know more about Action for Children? Find us on LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube to get to know us better.
Referral Officer in Watford employer: Action for Children
Action for Children is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Wirral. With flexible part-time hours, employees benefit from a strong emphasis on professional development and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and personal growth, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about emotional wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referral Officer in Watford
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Action for Children, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Action for Children. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Action for Children's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Referral Officer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Action for Children. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Action for Children.
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Action for Children.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Referral Officer at Action for Children.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Action for Children that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Referral Officer role.
