At a Glance
- Tasks: Attract and engage potential foster carers while guiding them through the recruitment process.
- Company: Join Southend City Council, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with a minimum of 1 day on-site at the Civic Centre.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by increasing the number of approved foster carers.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus knowledge of Children Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your new role Southend City Council are looking to appoint a permanent, part-time Recruitment Fostering Officer. The salary is pro rata'd to 25hrs. The Recruitment Fostering Officer's role is to attract, engage and convert potentially interested foster carers. The main goal is to increase the number of approved foster carers by promoting the fostering department and guiding applicants through the early stages of the fostering recruitment process.
Within this post, you will be key in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the recruitment strategy for Fostering. Producing and distributing promotional material, developing relationships with the press, media, community groups and organising recruitment events. You will be the first point of contact to all prospective foster carers, as well as organising pre-approval training for them.
There will be the need to provide accurate information and advice about the different fostering schemes operating in Southend. This will involve dealing effectively with visitors and telephone callers to the service. As well as this, you will be required to collect information and complete initial enquiry forms as appropriate and subsequently send out up-to-date recruitment information packs.
The working week is 25hrs and these are flexible to your needs. Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available. However, you are required to be on-site at the Civic Centre a minimum of 1 day a week.
What you'll need to succeed
To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you hold a GCSE qualification in English and Maths. You must have some knowledge of the Children Social Care sector, preferably within a Local Authority environment. You must have proven advanced administration and customer service skills, be comfortable learning new IT systems and have the ability to communicate comfortably and effectively, whether at an event, one-on-one, or on the phone.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Chelmsford employer: Hays Social Care
Southend City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, hybrid opportunities, and a commitment to training and development, you will be empowered to make a meaningful impact in the fostering community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us in Southend, where your contributions will help shape the future of vulnerable children and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the fostering and social care sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about opportunities. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Contact Southend City Council directly to express your interest in the Recruitment Fostering Officer role. Show them you’re keen and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the fostering sector. Understand the challenges and successes within the community. This will help you engage effectively during conversations and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to find resources and tips tailored for roles like this one. We’ve got loads of helpful content that can guide you through the recruitment process and help you stand out as a candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Fostering Recruitment Officer - 25hrs per week - Permanent in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Recruitment Fostering Officer role. Highlight any experience in social care or customer service, as well as your ability to engage with people effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about fostering and how your background makes you a great fit for this position. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Children Social Care sector!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be the first point of contact for prospective foster carers, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Social Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Children Social Care sector, especially within a Local Authority context. Familiarise yourself with the fostering process and the different schemes available in Southend. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Recruitment Fostering Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, whether it's in person or over the phone. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might encounter, like answering queries from prospective foster carers.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since you'll be involved in organising recruitment events and managing information packs, highlight your advanced administration skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past to showcase your ability to stay organised.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
With hybrid working opportunities, be prepared to discuss how you can manage your time effectively between on-site and remote work. Show that you're adaptable and can thrive in a flexible working environment, which is key for this role.
