Carer Recruitment Officer

We are seeking a Carer Recruitment Officer to lead on the recruitment and retention of foster carers for an Independent Fostering Agency, rated Outstanding by OFSTED, operating primarily across Berkshire and connecting Local Authorities. The role will suit an outgoing, enthusiastic, self-motivated person with experience in raising awareness and/or recruiting through both online and community activity, and an ability to work independently.

Initially employed for 21 hours per week there will be an opportunity for this to increase as the business grows. The role will allow for agile working / flexible hour opportunities. We are a family-friendly employer. The role will be based out of our office in Bracknell, with opportunity to work from home at times.

The post holder will require excellent communication skills, creativity, flexibility and the ability to travel within the service area, planning and delivering recruitment events to expand our Foster Carer capacity and provide high-quality foster placements for children. You will be working alongside a small established team which prides itself on putting foster carers and children at the centre of everything we do. This new and exciting role is being introduced to support the agency in their ambitious but achievable plan for growth over the coming year and beyond, providing improved opportunities for children living away from their families.

The post has two main functions:

• Recruitment of new foster carers: To work alongside the Management team in devising and executing agreed plans for the recruitment of foster carers throughout the year. Managing and maintaining an online presence both within our website and across social media platforms, working closely with our external providers. Maintaining and updating data in relation to carer recruitment, including tracking enquiries to approval using a CRM system where appropriate. Organising and facilitating local engagement/well-being events for carers/potential carers in order to promote Fitzgerald Fostering as the agency of choice. Identifying and coordinating creative local recruitment campaigns / awareness raising opportunities within the community.
• Support existing foster carers registered with the business: Engage the current group of foster carers to ensure retention, promoting and nurturing 'Refer a friend' and word of mouth recruitment opportunities. Provide a consistent touch point for applicants throughout their journey into fostering. Monitor competitor recruitment activities and respond accordingly. Support other admin tasks as identified/required.

Person Specification:

Required:

• You will be a self-motivated individual able to work independently to meet recruitment and retention targets as well as being part of a larger team.
• You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to engage individuals from a diverse background, to encourage consideration of becoming a foster carer.
• You will be able to evidence a flexible, creative, and dynamic approach to researching and facilitating a range of recruitment opportunities.
• Have experience of marketing and engaging/connecting with the public to raise awareness and/or a soft sales background, and a passion for organising creative plans to reach an intended demographic.
• A good level understanding / experience of using Social Media as a platform for awareness raising and recruitment, including the creation of distinctive and engaging content across a variety of platforms.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills and familiarity with the use of electronic records systems.
• Experience in using IT applications in particular Microsoft Windows including Excel / CRM to gather and analyse data.
• Use of a car and the ability to drive.
• Ability to work flexibly including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Able to work to our equality, diversity, and safeguarding policies.

Desirable:

• A basic knowledge or experience of fostering / Caring for children.
• Knowledge of GDPR in relation to marketing.
• Customer Service/sales experience.
• Experience in recruitment.
• Previous use of a CRM system.

Package:

Salary: £25,000 per annum for 21 hours per week. Bonus: Plus target-related bonuses. Benefits: Generous workplace pension; Private Health Insurance after 6 months’ employment; 28 days annual leave pro rata (exclusive of bank holidays).

You will receive: Full induction and access to training raising your knowledge and understanding of children in care and the fostering role. Mandatory training in safeguarding, equality, and diversity.

*Note: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. This role is subject to DBS check and references, and you will undertake mandatory safeguarding training as part of your induction. We are an Equal Opportunities employer.

Interested Applicants should submit a CV detailing relevant experience and full work history, alongside a covering statement detailing why they are particularly interested in this role. Application closes 30 June 2025 with interviews being conducted 24 July 2025.