At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match children with foster families to meet their needs.
- Company: Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, pension, life assurance, employee discounts, and free parking.
- Other info: Full training provided; be part of a supportive community making real change.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create brighter futures for children in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong communication skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 22630 - 25200 £ per year.
Location: Office Based - Sheffield
Salary: £22,630.06 Per Annum
Benefits: 30 days' Annual Leave (increasing to 35 days' with length of service) + Bank Holidays, Company Pension, Life Assurance x2, Employee Discount Scheme, Medical Cash Plan & Free Parking
ABOUT US
Set up by a former foster parent and former social worker in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency which forms part of the Polaris Community - one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. The business was born out of an enthusiasm for delivering fostering services to make a positive difference to the lives of looked after children. Our first office was in the Worcestershire countryside, and that is still where our Head Office is today. We have come a long way since those early days. Over the years, FCA has built a strong reputation for excellence, and now offers a wide range of services to children and families. But our purpose remains the same; 'to make a positive and lasting difference for children, families and communities', and it is underpinned by a series of values designed to help us assist children and young people to reach their full potential. FCA (Yorks and Lincs) is a well-established agency, with a highly motivated and experienced staff team dedicated to supporting each child and foster parent in our care. Our staff are well supported with a range of benefits including a generous holiday allowance and we pride ourselves on being a community where people feel involved and have the opportunity to make a difference to children and families' lives.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
As a Referrals Officer, you will manage referrals received from Local Authorities and use key information and matching criteria to ensure that placements are carefully matched according to children's needs. You will have the ability to work independently and be able to use your initiative to find creative solutions to foster placement requests. The Referrals officer role is the first point of contact between Local Authorities, foster families and Social Workers. You will be able to develop positive relationships with colleagues and be confident communicating with professionals at all levels. It would be beneficial to have experience of working within the children's services sector or similar and be able to evidence your administration skills, ability to follow regulatory policies and processes and the ability to work well within a fast-paced team. Full training will be provided.
We are a family of independent fostering agencies, all with our own individual areas of expertise, but with one shared vision. We want to give children across the country who have had a difficult start in life, the support they need to build themselves a stronger and happier future. For our Foster carers, we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
For more information about this post please contact Carrie Robinson, Referrals Manager on 07587 997613. To be considered, please apply and we will be in touch. No agencies please. Foster Care Associates is an equal opportunities employer and has been awarded the disability confident employer by the jobcentre plus. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check at enhanced level if successful for the position.
Referrals Officer - Fostering in Sheffield employer: FCA
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children and families. Located in Sheffield, FCA offers a supportive work culture with generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, a company pension, and opportunities for professional growth within a passionate team. As a Referrals Officer, you will play a vital role in connecting local authorities with foster families, all while being part of a community that values your contributions and fosters meaningful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals Officer - Fostering in Sheffield
✨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 FCA.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from FCA!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like FCA, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨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 FCA 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 Sheffield
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 FCA:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to FCA! 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 FCA
✨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.
