At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee and process referrals from local authorities to match young people with Foster Parents.
- Company: Fostering People, an Outstanding-rated provider in the fostering sector.
- Benefits: 30 days' annual leave, company pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Full training provided; dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or children's services is beneficial; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27450 - 33550 £ per year.
Location: Office-Based - Nottingham
30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
Company pension
Life Assurance x2
Employee Discount Scheme
Medical Cash Plan
Free on-site parking
All benefits will be pro-rated for part-time employees.
About Us
Fostering People is an innovative and developing provider with an Outstanding inspection rating. We have a reputation for providing exceptional support to our children, Foster Parents and our dedicated and passionate staff team. Established in 2000, our reputation and positive approach have enabled us to achieve growth in the fostering sector. Today, we are present in even more communities across Scotland, the North East, North West, West Midlands, East of England and Yorkshire. The quality of our work means we are the preferred partner for many local authorities, who trust us to provide a high-quality and caring local service. Just as importantly, so do our Foster Parents in these communities. We have received four consecutive Outstanding inspections from Ofsted, the most recent in 2024.
We are looking to recruit a Referrals Officer to join our enthusiastic Referrals Team based in our head office in Nottingham. As a Referrals Officer, you will oversee, process and action referrals received from local authorities. You will work collaboratively with the Referrals Manager and Officers, social workers, team managers and senior management to carefully match young people with our Foster Parents according to their needs.
You will be able to work effectively within a team and independently, using your own initiative to find creative solutions when needed. The Referrals Officer will be a first point of contact between local authorities, social workers and Foster Parents. You will need to be confident, responsive and professional when liaising with professional partners, and be able to develop positive relationships when communicating with colleagues and our Foster Parents.
It would be beneficial to have administration experience or experience of working within children's services or a similar environment. You should be able to demonstrate strong organisational and administrative skills, the ability to follow regulatory policies and processes, and the ability to work well within a fast-paced environment. Full support and training will be provided.
We are a family of independent fostering agencies, each with its own areas of expertise but with one shared vision: to give children across the country who have had a difficult start in life the support they need to build a stronger and happier future. For our Foster Parents, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
Fostering People is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded Disability Confident Employer status by Jobcentre Plus. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Referrals Officer - Fostering in Nottingham employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
Allscreens Nationwide is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive team culture where employees are valued and encouraged to thrive. With access to state-of-the-art training facilities and opportunities for career progression, our Automotive Glazing Technicians in Birmingham can expect not only competitive bonuses but also the chance to work with the latest technology in the industry. Join us and be part of a company that prioritises both employee well-being and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer - Fostering in Nottingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals Officer - Fostering in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Allscreens Nationwide Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.