At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital admin support to ensure our Fostering Service runs smoothly and effectively.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy free parking, wellbeing support, and opportunities for learning and development.
- Other info: Flexible part-time hours and a supportive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding role that supports foster carers and children in need.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills and experience with databases are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: West Monkton, Taunton
Salary: £29,000 FTE
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part-Time - days and hours to be discussed at interview
About the role
We are seeking an organised and proactive Fostering Service Administrator to join our wonderful Fostering Team. This role includes lots of variety in providing administrative support helping ensure the service runs smoothly and our children and families are supported. You will play a key role in co-ordinating fostering panels, maintaining accurate records, completing statutory checks and supporting our foster carers and colleagues alike. This role is perfect for an experienced administrator who thrives in busy environments, has an excellent attention to detail and is committed to ensuring high standards of confidentiality.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and administer statutory checks and references for fostering assessments and annual reviews.
- Manage tracking and monitoring systems to ensure checks and reviews are completed within required timescales.
- Organise and support monthly Fostering and Adoption Panels, including preparing agendas, distributing panel papers, arranging attendance, taking minutes, and recording outcomes.
- Ensure efficient and confidential panel processes are maintained at all times.
- Coordinate foster carer annual reviews, ensuring all relevant information is gathered, processed, and recorded accurately.
- Liaise with social workers, Independent Reviewing Officers, panel members, and external agencies.
- Support foster carer support groups and training events, including venue bookings, attendance monitoring, and administration.
- Arrange and support meetings across the organisation, including minute taking where required.
- Maintain accurate records on internal databases and systems.
- Produce reports, presentations, and correspondence using Microsoft Office applications.
- Assist with compliance activities and escalate any concerns or barriers to management.
- Ensure all work is carried out in line with data protection legislation, safeguarding requirements, and company policies.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We do not offer sponsorship for this role. Aged 21+ (legal requirement for residential care roles). Driving Licence is essential.
Requirements
- Strong administration skills (essential)
- Skill and confidence in working with a range of databases (essential)
- Experience in administratively supporting service development (desirable)
- Knowledge of children’s social care (desirable)
- Knowledge of fostering and residential services (desirable)
- Experience in managing a team (desirable)
Benefits
- Free parking
- Blue Light Card access
- Eye-care Vouchers
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing app, providing 24/7 support and resources
- Discounted site
- Allocated funding for team building activities, social events and celebrations throughout the year
- Learning and development opportunities
Fostering Service Administrator (Internal Only) in Taunton employer: Empower Family Group
Empower Family Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in Taunton, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide opportunities for growth and training, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to deliver person-centred care. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a positive environment for both staff and residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Service Administrator (Internal Only) in Taunton
✨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 Empower Family Group, 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 Empower Family Group. 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 Empower Family Group's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Service Administrator (Internal Only) in Taunton
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 Empower Family Group. 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 Empower Family Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Empower Family Group
✨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 Empower Family Group.
✨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 Fostering Service Administrator (Internal Only) at Empower Family Group.
✨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 Empower Family Group that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Fostering Service Administrator (Internal Only) role.
