At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to ensure children's voices are heard and develop engaging activities.
- Company: Join Foster Care Associates, a leading fostering agency dedicated to supporting children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a company car or allowance, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a passion for advocacy required.
The predicted salary is between 28500 - 28500 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield, with travel across the region (Yorks, Lincs, East Midlands, Northants). Possibility to work from home when relevant.
Basic Salary: £28,500.
Benefits:
- Company Car or £2,000 car allowance (pro rata)
- 30 days Annual Leave (rising to 35 with length of service) + Bank Holidays
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance x2
- Employee Discount Scheme & On‑site Parking
Role Overview:
Senior Participation Officer responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s Participation Strategy, leading a dynamic team, and ensuring children and young people’s voices are heard across the region.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and supervise the agency's Participation Strategy.
- Supervise two members of staff.
- Lead groups, events, and activities specifically for children and young people.
- Represent the region in the Polaris community and with external stakeholders.
- Arrange activities and workshops for children in care and foster children.
- Forge close and productive relationships with colleagues, foster parents, external professionals and multi‑agency networks.
- Attend meetings with professionals from Education, Health and Social Services sectors to support children’s and young people’s care plans.
- Complete reports and maintain clear records.
- Stay up to date with professional practice standards, legislation, company policy including confidentiality, GDPR, safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Provide support and guidance to families and promote stability of foster placements.
- Work with the Registered Manager and regional leadership team to deliver services.
Qualifications:
- Experience working with children and young people, supporting and advocating for their voices.
- Understanding of children and young people who have experienced trauma.
- Passion and aspiration to help children reach their full potential.
- Previous experience leading a team or projects to ensure service delivery.
- Relevant qualification or formal training in childcare, childhood studies, education, social work, youth work, community work, or psychology.
- Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate with and present to children and adults; strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm under high levels of pressure, in emotionally traumatic situations, and when dealing with difficult or confrontational behaviour.
- Good written skills and IT proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and database use.
- Full driving licence and unrestricted access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
About FCA:
Founded in 1994 by a former foster parent and social worker, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an established fostering agency that forms part of the Polaris Community – one of the UK’s largest children’s service provider networks. FCA is committed to supporting each child and foster family every day.
Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering) employer: Foster Care Associates (fca)
Foster Care Associates (FCA) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, FCA offers generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, a company car or allowance, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team environment. Located in Sheffield, with the flexibility to work from home, FCA empowers its staff to advocate for children's voices while fostering strong relationships across the region.
Contact Details:
Foster Care Associates (fca) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fostering and children’s services sector. Attend local events or workshops, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your commitment to advocating for children and young people. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your dedication.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the agency’s Participation Strategy. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to it and lead a team effectively. Tailor your answers to reflect the values and goals of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission to support children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Participation Officer (Children & Families - Fostering)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Participation Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've supported their voices in the past, and why you're passionate about helping them reach their full potential.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foster Care Associates (fca)
✨Know the Participation Strategy Inside Out
Make sure you understand the agency's Participation Strategy thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement it, and think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully advocated for children's voices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Participation Officer, you'll be supervising a team. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led a team or project, highlighting your approach to fostering collaboration and ensuring service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would engage with children, families, and external stakeholders. Consider role-playing scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle emotionally charged situations. Think about past experiences where you've remained calm under pressure and how you managed difficult behaviours. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
