At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage referrals and match placements to meet children's needs creatively.
- Company: Join a supportive family of independent fostering agencies dedicated to helping children.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building strong professional relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in children's services and strong admin skills are a plus.
- Other info: Full training provided in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 22630 - 31682 £ per year.
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 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 develop positive relationships with colleagues and communicate confidently with professionals at all levels. Experience of working within the children’s services sector or similar is beneficial, and you will evidence strong administration skills, follow regulatory policies and work well within a fast‑paced team. Full training will be provided.
We are a family of independent fostering agencies, each with its own expertise, but sharing a 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 carers we provide a close network of support that becomes like a second family.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Actively promote foster parent vacancies by communicating with Local Authorities via telephone and email
- Build and maintain a strong working relationship with Local Authorities
- Ensure systems are always up to date and relevant
- Work to tight deadlines
- Use Company Performance to ensure foster parents are supported with their vacancies and to help growth within the company
- Complete Foster Parent Pay – full training provided
- Liaise with the Referral Hub to offer cover and support where needed
- Ensure line Manager is kept up to date on Referrals, matching and any issues in relation to vacancies
- Attend regular meetings and assist with minuting
Benefits
- Salary: £22,630.06 per annum
- 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
Referrals officer in City of Westminster employer: Foster Care Associates (fca)
Contact Detail:
Foster Care Associates (fca) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Referrals officer in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the children's services sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Contact fostering agencies directly through our website and express your interest in the Referrals Officer role. Sometimes, showing enthusiasm can get you noticed before a position is even listed.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the agency's values and recent news. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their mission of supporting children. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about their cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Referrals officer in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Referrals Officer role. We want to see how you can manage referrals and build relationships, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As the first point of contact, strong communication is key! Use your written application to demonstrate your ability to communicate confidently and effectively. We love seeing examples of how you've built positive relationships in previous roles.
Be Creative and Solution-Oriented: We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box! In your application, share instances where you’ve used your initiative to find creative solutions, especially in fast-paced environments. This will show us you’re ready for the challenges of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our family of fostering agencies!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foster Care Associates (fca)
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Referrals Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and how they relate to managing referrals and building relationships with Local Authorities. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Referrals Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various professionals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts in previous roles. Practising clear and concise communication during the interview will demonstrate your ability to engage with colleagues and stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The job requires creative solutions for foster placement requests. Think of specific instances where you've had to think on your feet or come up with innovative solutions in challenging situations. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your initiative and adaptability, which are key traits for this role.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation.